Given that this is our first session, I thought I should give you a brief overview of myself! I’ve been fortunate enough to be supported by my loving husband of 20 years and our 4 healthy happy children (ages 2-12). I have a great relationship with my siblings and parents, although my father has recently passed.
Here is the brief bio I wrote up for my new position at Shanel Valley Academy – touching on some of life’s highs:
Jacqui brings a unique blend of hands-on education, agriculture, and creativity to her role as Expanded Learning Program and STEAM Director at SVA. She holds a B.A. in Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts and got her start in media working at KRON 4 in San Francisco. She’s also trained in classical Italian opera, mixing technical skill with creative expression. Over the years, Jacqui has worn many hats: agricultural manager, small business owner designing custom clothing, homeschool educator, realtor, and longtime on-air personality at Sonoma County’s KZST. She’s excited to bring her love of storytelling, design, and media to SVA, helping students explore, build, and create in meaningful ways.
With deep family roots in Hopland and four kids making their way through SVA, Jacqui is passionate about learning that connects students to STEAM, their community, and the land they call home.

That’s a little bit about who I am, but I, like you, also waited tables at very notable restaurants – although mine were in San Francisco (not New York), and I also have a love of performing and musical theater (though I never made it to Broadway)! I could probably sing EVERY song from RENT with you!!!

I look forward to our sessions together.

Going back to work on someone else’s schedule has been a major life change, not just for me, but for my husband and children. I was offered this job in June of this year and I am trying to settle in and get an understanding of the position and its responsibilities. As an overachiever, I am putting in more time than I should, and this is starting to affect my relationship with my family (I mean – I am sitting at my computer typing this up at 8:15p on Saturday night – while my kids enjoy a movie).
In addition to my new job, I am also taking on this fellowship with SLF as well as going back to school for my Multi Subject Teaching Credential (Teach Lake County – TLC). Both SLF and TLC started last week. TLC will be Tu & Th 5p-8p for the next 2 years (not including homework time).

Outside of my challenge for time and balance, I’m feeling alright.

I enjoyed your coursework on selfcare, I might like to dive deeper into that, as I find I always put myself on the back burner.