Currently retired, Jean was a teacher and a counselor with a Lifetime California Credential to teach kindergarten through college, and a Special Education Credential. She earned a B.A. in American History, Magna Cum Laude, a B.S. in Education, and a M.A. in Educ/Psy., Cum Laude. Before teaching in Mill Valley for 16 years, she taught in Ohio, Texas, Georgia, and Massachusetts.

In her many years of community activism, Jean has served as Chair of the Marin County Commission on Homelessness; Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign for the New Beginnings Center; Co- Chair of the Next Key project; and Chair of the Helen Vine Detox Center expansion. She also served on the Boards of Senior Access and the Marin Arts Council. Currently, she serves on the Suicide Prevention Advisory Board and on the Helen Vine Detox Board of Directors.

In 2005, Jean received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. Three years ago, a scholarship was anonymously set up in her name through the Marin Education Fund and is awarded annually to a formerly homeless woman. In November of 2006, Jean was honored by the Family Service Agency of Marin with its "Spirit of The Family Award."

Jean was recently elected CJE’s Board President and brings more than ten years of activism and knowledge about the local courts to the Board, as well as a wealth of fundraising experience and community service assisting our County’s most vulnerable individuals and families.