Biography

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH:
9/3/46 – Salem, Oregon

FAMILY:
Husband: John Birnel
Children: Chloe & Noah Birnel

EDUCATION:
B.S. in Journalism, University of Oregon
M.S.W., University of Hawaii
Post-graduate work in Business and Public Administration

EMPLOYMENT:
Author
Former Executive Director, Bellevue Schools Foundation
Former Executive Director, North Seattle Youth Services
Former Program Development, Director, National CASA Association
Former Program Manager, Echo Glen Treatment Center

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:
Health & Human Services Appropriations & Oversight

Labor & Workforce Development

Ways & Means

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:
Ballard Family Support Center Leadership Team
Founder, Treehouse
Past Chair, Washington Coalition of Public Schools Foundation
Past Board Member, Children’s Alliance
Infant, toddler early intervention program – State Interagency Coordinating Council

AWARDS:
American Foundation for the Blind – Catherine Gallagher Award
Home Care Association of Washington – 1998 Legislator of the Year
Washington Association of Juvenile Court Administrators – Justice Award

YEARS IN HOUSE:
Since 1994

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES:
Security for children and families
Quality education
Clean and safe environment
Safe and practical transportation solution