I have worked in the travel industry for more than 18 years, experiencing both the airline side of the travel business as well as the travel agency side. I began my career as a corporate and leisure agent at a small agency in Anchorage. Several years later I received the opportunity to work for a small local airline. During that time at Era, I witnessed, firsthand, the unique challenges of air travel in Alaska. These experiences have given me special skills in arranging travel within Alaska. In 1994, I joined the staff of American Express Travel in Anchorage where I was a Vacation Specialist. I consider myself to be very committed to community service. Numerous times throughout the year, I coordinate several service projects, such as Citywide Clean-up, Military Appreciation Picnic, United Way Food Drive, and Special Olympics. Additionally, each year during the Christmas season, the staff and myself have made it a tradition to adopt a family. A life-long Alaskan, I was born in Anchorage and raised both there and in Homer. My vast travel experience includes twenty one cruises and extensive travel in Australia, particularly Queensland (I am a Certified Aussie Specialist). I've also traveled to Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean and throughout much of the United States.