Born and raised in Iowa, graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. After working with children with disabilities in Iowa for 5 years, Jill traveled to Washington state and decided “this is my land”. She moved to the Pacific Northwest to attend Graduate School at the University of Oregon. Jill was hired to work in Klickitat County. For 32 years she was a Special Education Teacher/Program Coordinator providing services to children with disabilities ages birth to 4 years. Her work included staff support and collaboration, community outreach, and building relationships with community partners. Jill established a variety of programs focused on inclusive, community-based, collaborative services.

Jill is committed to equity, believing that everyone wants to participate and be included. She is devoted to programs that focus on collaboration and alleviating barriers that limit or prohibit participation.

During the pandemic, Jill re-discovered the joy and absorption of creating art. She uses watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media to make greeting cards. Her “characters”, primarily birds, take on whimsy in their fancy shoes, and colorful hats. Jill loves Washington state, with all its seasons and rain.