Board of Governors

I’ve been on the board 3 other times as technology or web chair! First in the 90s, then 2000s then 2010s and now 2020s. I travelled with ’88E, and was the guitar player. I spent most of my adult life working as a programmer or systems administrator, even though I also write, record, play, and produce music (mostly jazz and Latin). I was married in Cuba, have a house there in Havana, but live most of the year in Billings Montana. I have a daughter (Helen Griffin), who travelled in ’19B, and my son (Jon Anthony), who is still in school in Billings.

I traveled in ’68B and ’69B and have served on the UWPIAA board from 1995-2003 as well as 2019 to the present. My residence is split between California and Indiana. I’ve been an educator for over 50 years, teaching special education in Zaire, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. I’ve also taught piano for over 40 years and am an avid traveler, reader and bridge (card game) player. I’m delighted to be serving as the External Relations and Awards Chair, as I value the connections that I am able to make with our alumni around the globe.

I traveled with Up with People as a member of Cast ’86C, and nearly 40 years later, the people, experiences, and sense of connection from that year are still a big part of my life. I’m excited to return to the UWPIAA Board of Governors as Communications Chair, a role I previously held, and to help once again tell the stories and strengthen the connections that make this alum community so special. My career has taken a few turns—from communications and marketing to the performing arts and higher education—and today I work at the University of New Mexico, where I also earned my MBA and continue pursuing graduate studies.

I’m a native New Mexican, although life took me to Houston and then New York City for several years before eventually bringing me home to Albuquerque. I share life with my partner of 18 years, Bill Brooks, and I still spend much of my free time doing what’s been part of my life since UWP—singing and performing. What I’ve always loved about Up with People is that you can reconnect with someone after years (or decades!) and somehow pick up where you left off. As Communications Chair, I hope to create more opportunities for those connections—to celebrate our alums, share what’s happening across the UWPIAA community, and maybe even help a few people find someone they haven’t talked to since their cast year.

I live in my hometown Nenagh Co, Tipperary Ireland. I am a professional photographer. Lifelong learning is a passion and I love the outdoors, movies, cooking, art and of course travel! Having worked on the new Vision, Mission and Strategy for the association, I am excited to see it come to to life and to deliver the new association we set out to create given the survey results and brief handed down to us.
Through the work of implementing the desire of alumni and shaping the future structure of the association it will be exciting to see the new vision in action and especially excited for the possibilities of Annual Alumni Week, where we can deliver an exciting schedule similar to our shared experiences back on the road!

I am a lover of family, travel, cooking, nature and spending time with friends. I am the proud Mom of two amazing kids (now adults!). I am happily sharing my time living between Newmarket, New Hampshire, in the U.S., and Copenhagen, Denmark. My work and my passion is helping people better understand how their cultural differences impact the way they collaborate and work together. Our differences, when understood, can be our biggest strength! I believe now, more than ever, we need to be connected to each other globally and for me Up with People alumni are a big part of that. We can make so much more of an impact together than we ever could individually. I look forward to making an impact with you!

A lifelong commitment to volunteering and community service has always been part of my DNA, a passion only deepened by my transformative year with Cast ’91B. Over the decades, from serving as Cast Rep since 2006 to leading neighborhood associations, parent-teacher associations, and scouting initiatives, giving back has consistently anchored my personal and professional life.

With Rex, my husband of over 30 years, we have raised three wonderful adult children. Family is my cornerstone, and you’ll frequently find me hosting gatherings at our family home in Arkansas. My love for animals is legendary, earning me the nickname “Ellie May” from family, and I share life with our Great Pyrenees, Sadie, and Ragdoll cat, Seamus. A lifelong equestrian, my background includes serving as Executive Director of an equine-assisted nonprofit therapeutic riding center for special needs and at-risk youth. Today, I channel that organizational and leadership experience into my work in corporate meeting planning, executive administration, and operational strategy.

Having previously served on the Board of Governors as Learning Programs Chair, I am excited to transition into the Internal Development role. In this capacity, my focus shifts toward strengthening our organizational foundation, supporting board governance, fostering leadership development, and ensuring our volunteer committees have the operational tools and structure needed to thrive. I look forward to collaborating across our global network to keep the UWPIAA resilient, connected, and purpose-driven.

I was a proud member of Cast C 1984. After my cast year, I returned to the University of Arizona to complete my Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts—then went on to join the Up with People staff, building a decade-long career in the marketing department (known at the time as the scheduling department). In the fall of 1997, I made a life-changing move to Sydney, Australia to be with my partner, Kevin. We have now been together for thirty years and are happily married. The next twenty-five years were spent building a successful career in hospitality and tourism, and I’m now enjoying a well-earned retirement filled with travel, hiking, volunteering, and quality time with family and friends and looking forward to putting my knowledge to use for the UWPIAA.

I live in Edegem, Belgium with my husband Gert and have a 25 year old son, named after my Secret Santa in UWP. Going to many reunions makes me happy and gives me lots of energy!
All that traveling made me realise that we are a really big family that has one thing in common. Serving the board at this time will mean that I will look out for more friends we didn’t find yet and try to get in touch with you as much as possible. If you want to get it touch with me, please do so via the contact form, and I’ll try to find an answer for your questions. If you want to help out, please let me know!

After living in the Vancouver area for more than 25 years, my husband and I recently relocated to beautiful Vancouver Island, where we are enjoying our early retirement lifestyle, along with our 6 year old Bernedoodle, Murphy. Our 3 kids are in university, each spreading their wings and leaving the nest as they invest in their futures. We love to travel both near and far, and seems we continue to be drawn to the ocean and beautiful beaches, while also fitting in time to visit friends and family along the way.

After a 30 year career in Human Resources, I am pleased to be joining the UWPIAA Board in the role of Professional Development. I’m excited to work with a team of volunteer alumni to help build an infrastructure that will help to connect alumni with similar career interests across the globe, creating opportunities for networking, international assignments, and/or remote work opportunities.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent and I look forward to working with you all.