Biography

PERSONAL:
I moved to Seattle in 1978 and have lived in West Seattle ever since. I live with my husband Tom Mitchell, a self-employed architect whose business is based in West Seattle, our dog Jolly, and two cats.

EDUCATION:
A.D. in Nursing, 1976;
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 1977

EMPLOYMENT:
I am a registered nurse specializing in rehabilitation and work as a staff nurse at Group Health Cooperative (1978 - present).

YEARS IN HOUSE:
13 years

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:
Health Care and Wellness - Chair
Appropriations

Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care
Joint Legislative Mental Health Task Force - Co-chair
Joint Legislative Services Committee - Chair
Washington State Horse Racing Commission

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES:
Assuring quality care & access to health care for all Washingtonians
Protection of workers rights - creation of family wage jobs
Ensuring quality public education for all Washington's youth

OTHER ELECTIVE OFFICES:
Precinct Committee Officer

AWARDS:
Outstanding State Legislator Award, Health Care and Human Services - 1994-2002
Rural Legislator of the Year Award, Washington State Hospital Association - 1999
Legislator of the Year Award, Home Care Association of Washington - 1997
Legislator of the Year Award, WSNA PAC - 1995

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:
Founding member and treasurer of District 1199 NW/SEIU, Hospital & Health Care Employees Union
Multiple Sclerosis Association - Advisory Board Member
Milbank Reforming States Group - Co-chair
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses - Former Washington State President
International Organization of MS Nurses
National Conference of State Legislatures, NCSL Assembly on Federal Issues (Health Committee) and NCSL Intergovernmental Health Policy Project (Forum for State Health Policy Leadership)
National Academy for State Health Policies
Women's Political Caucus