I began my career in law enforcement in 2007 with the Burlingame Police Department, where I rose to the rank of Corporal and was a Field Training Officer and detective. In 2013, I lateraled to the South San Francisco Police Department (SSFPD) and have held ancillary positions such as Explorer Advisor; Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Police Association; Field Training Officer, Patrol Corporal, Detective Corporal; In-House Report Writing, CIBRS, and RIPA instructor; Strangulation, Sex Assault, and Domestic Violence instructor; and Team Leader of the Crisis Negotiation Team.
In 2015, I helped to establish the department’s first Youth Academy and created the week-long summer Youth Academy in 2017, both of which still run today.
As a sergeant, I was assigned to the Operations Division and Criminal Investigations Bureau. I was recently promoted to Lieutenant and am assigned to the Investigations Division. I am also one of the department’s Peer Support Co-Team Leads and Wellness Coordinators. Since becoming a Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Detective, I have expanded my expertise in these topics and am a qualified expert witness for the San Mateo County Superior Court in the areas of Strangulation, Domestic Violence, Sex Assault, and Domestic Violence and Sex Assault Relationship Dynamics. I am also an instructor for the San Mateo County Sexual Assault Protocol, where I instruct and mentor social workers, law enforcement officers and investigators, advocates, and District Attorneys. I am also part of the California Police Chief’s Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Advisory Board, on the Alliance for Hope International Legal Committee for Strangulation, and am the Region II Chair of the California Peace Officers Association.
I hold my Bachelor of Arts Degree from San Francisco State University in Criminal Justice and am currently obtaining my Master of Science Degree from the University of San Diego in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
This program is truly created for leaders in law enforcement. I have already learned so much in the LEPSL program, that I see how so many more in law enforcement could benefit from the program.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
After researching several schools, I continued to come back to the LEPSL program. The fact that the curriculum covered all pertinent topics in law enforcement piqued my interest. I also liked that I could truly apply what I was learning to my career.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
I graduated college in 2006, so it has been over 18 years since I attended a college course. I was intimidated by the time commitment and the assignments.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
From the first day, the LEPSL program had me look at law enforcement through a different lens. I took a step back and evaluated how I was as a leader, what my organization was doing to build relationships with our employees and community, and what I could be doing better. I have already brought so many new innovative ideas back to my organization and was recently promoted to Lieutenant. LEPSL has made me a better leader.
What advice would you give to someone to be a more effective leader?
Lead by example. Setting the tone early on and leading by example builds trust not only within the organization but the community you serve. It is also important to recognize that our time learning never ends. In order to be effective to your people, you must remain open-minded and stay on top of current trends and issues that may affect the organization and community.
What was your favorite LEPSL course?
My favorite course so far has been LEPS-520 Best Practices in Community Engagement with Professor Redick.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
I began the program as a Detective Sergeant and have since been promoted and am currently the Lieutenant of the Investigations Division, overseeing the Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Criminal Interdiction Unit. I also hold seats on several committees within law enforcement, which is a huge commitment. I live approximately 70 miles from where I work in the Bay Area, so I spend approximately 15 hours in the car each week.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
Being a newly promoted Lieutenant, I was unable to attend the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute that I was scheduled to go to as a sergeant. I wanted to learn different areas of leadership in law enforcement and strive to be the best leader I can be. With this goal in mind, it was easy to stay motivated as each module brought more insight into becoming an effective leader.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2026