Age: 63

Profession and title: Director of the Levan Institute for Lifelong Learning.

Community involvement:

Assistance League Bakersfield: I am on the board of directors as the marketing and communications chairperson, serve as the chairperson for our annual Chez Noel home tour and fundraiser, work at our Bargain Box thrift store on Second Saturdays, serve on the Grants Committee, and volunteer for at least one of our Operation School Bell retail dressing events each school year.

Bakersfield SPCA: I volunteer at the Furry Paws & Foggy Nights annual fundraising dinner, assist with the spring book sale, work the SPCA booth at the Kern County Museum’s Village Flea, and set up for the fall Pawtiques fundraiser.

Immediate family: Dave Teeter, my spouse of 30 years, and Hamilton, our rescue cocker spaniel.

How would you describe yourself in five words?

Curious, passionate, faithful, proud and blessed.

How long have you lived in Bakersfield? If you are not from here, what brought you to town?

We moved back to California at the end of 2019 after 23 years in New York City to be closer to family. Originally, we planned to base ourselves in L.A., open a West Coast office for our fashion import business, and split our weekends between Santa Barbara (my folks) and Bakersfield (my in-laws). COVID interrupted those plans. We ended up closing our business and staying with my in-laws in Four Seasons. Over several months we explored the city, eventually buying and renovating a midcentury home, making new friends, and embracing our new lives and a new city.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Work to your own personal best, and when circumstances change, redirect your abilities and passions to create new opportunities.

What is your proudest achievement of your career?

Building dynamic teams, sharing opportunities and positively impacting lives. It is very exciting to see those I’ve hired and mentored over the years find both personal and professional success.

How do you find inspiration to do what you do?

First it was from my parents, and their love of family and community. I grew up in Davis, where my father was a minister and my mother was a schoolteacher and then a principal. They both worked into their 70s, and then in my father’s words instead of retiring they “refired.” They continued to touch lives, serving individuals and the community through breast cancer activism (my mom) and homeless outreach and ministry (my dad).

Today I am inspired by the Assistance League volunteers and their “Pal” spouses and family members. Many would qualify for “20 over 70” or even “20 over 80” with their energy, hard work and commitment to the betterment of Kern County, its children and the community.

What volunteer efforts are you passionate about?

The Assistance League of Bakersfield and the SPCA. New to town and going stir-crazy because of COVID, we took long drives, exploring the neighborhoods and creating a list of places to check out once we could be mask-free. One of those places was the Bargain Box on Q Street where I first learned about the Assistance League.

I was inspired by their mission and their all-volunteer commitment to “Transforming Lives / Strengthening Community.” Working as a team on fundraising and philanthropic programs — Operation School Bell, Operation Hugs, scholarships — I know ALB positively impacts the lives of children and students in our local community. And it is not only the children and families who benefit — I have been blessed with new, cherished friendships, a sense of belonging and a renewed sense of purpose.

What do you love most about the community? Where do you see the greatest need for change or improvement?

The spirit of giving and volunteerism in Bakersfield and Kern County is inspiring and infectious. Don’t wait to be asked — if you see a need, volunteer!

What advice do you offer to a younger generation?

It’s not just the younger generation, it is every generation — keep learning, keep growing, keep moving! I am very fortunate to have started a new career at Bakersfield College with the Levan Institute for Lifelong Learning, and to be a part of a diverse, dynamic and caring community.

At the Levan Institute we promote healthy aging with a unique list of courses focused on the interests of older adults, but open to anybody over the age of 18. We offer the classes as a wonderful way to connect and make new friends, while learning, exploring and having some fun.

Where do you hope to see Bakersfield/Kern County in five years?

I hope that the city and county continue to grow, welcoming newcomers with the same level of generosity, kindness, tolerance and respect that we’ve enjoyed since arriving six years ago.

What brings you joy?

Sitting at our dining table enjoying a home-cooked meal with dear family and friends, with a dog at my feet.

What is your favorite quote?

“You cannot go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the end.”