From Coast to Coast: Finding Home in Oregon
My journey to Oregon wasn't a straight line—it was a cross-country adventure that taught me what truly makes a place feel like home. Growing up in Philadelphia, college in New York, and six years in Colorado all had their charms, but when I first arrived in Oregon, I knew I'd found something different.
As someone who's lived all over this country, I can tell you with certainty: Oregon is special. That perspective—knowing what's out there and choosing to call Oregon home—gives me a unique understanding of what draws people here and what keeps them.
Whether you're relocating from across the country or moving within Oregon, I get it. I've been in your shoes, weighing the pros and cons, imagining your life in a new place. That's why I'm not here to sell you a home—I'm here to help you buy the one you already know is right for you.
An Artist's Eye for Oregon's Beauty
Before becoming a real estate agent, I was a teacher and artist with a background in painting, drawing, ceramics, and photography. This combination taught me two crucial skills: how to truly see potential and how to manage multiple tasks while keeping each client's needs front and center.
When I walk through a property with you, I'm seeing more than square footage and fixtures. I'm noticing how the light works in each room, how the flow between spaces will feel for your daily life, and what that view will look like in different seasons. Having spent years exploring Oregon's natural areas—from waterfalls to swimming holes—I can tell you which neighborhoods offer the best trail access and where you'll find those spectacular river views.
This artistic eye, combined with my teaching background, means I can handle the complexity of real estate transactions while staying focused on what matters most: finding you the right home.
Building a Life by the River
I've been married to my husband Richard since 2007, and we've built our life here in Oregon right on the river. Our home is filled with music—our two sons are incredibly talented musicians. Joaquin's an aspiring jazz drummer and Ishmael plays bass. I joke that I've got the whole rhythm section living under my roof!
Creating a family home in Oregon has taught me to really listen to what my clients need. Just like I learned to understand my sons' different personalities and my students' learning styles, I've developed the ability to tune into what makes each client tick. Some need space for hobbies, others want a quiet retreat, and some dream of hosting big gatherings.
Being trustworthy, relational, and supportive isn't just my professional approach—it's how I live. When you work with me, you're getting someone who genuinely cares about finding you the right fit, not just making a sale.
When I'm Not Helping Clients
You'll find me with my hands in the soil, tending to my garden where I grow everything from tomatoes to sunflowers. There's something magical about nurturing something from seed to harvest—it's taught me patience and the value of tending to what matters most.
When I'm not gardening, I'm usually curled up with a good book or working on my latest fiction writing project. These quiet moments help me recharge and often inspire creative solutions for my clients' real estate challenges. Some of my best negotiating ideas have come to me while I'm reading by the river or walking through Oregon's incredible landscapes.
Speaking of which, I'm always exploring new corners of our beautiful state. Whether it's discovering a hidden trail, finding the perfect spot for sunrise photography, or simply sitting by a new stretch of water, these adventures keep me connected to why Oregon is so special. This isn't just market research—it's pure joy.
My clients often worry about things like whether sellers will cover brokerage fees or if they're getting a fair deal. I work with them to negotiate agreements that leave everyone satisfied because I believe real estate should be about finding win-win solutions, not just winning at all costs.
