An Imperial native, Ember recalls the shortfall of city programs while growing up in the small rural town. The City experienced significant growth and in 2005 the Parks and Recreation Department was created. With her degree in social sciences and her passion to provide quality of life opportunities, Ember joined the city’s team as the department’s Program Coordinator. She dedicated herself to the city she loved and dug in to build the program from ground up.

Through Ember’s commitment to her role, community services programs continue to grow. Imperial Market Days has grown to become a signature event series providing unique and engaging experiences for attendees. Identifying swimming as one of the best lifelong activities, Ember oversees delivery of over 500 learn-to-swim programs each summer. And in 2020, Ember developed an early learning play area, toy lending library, and special collection for its new Early Learning with Families program funded through a California State Library grant. Ember credits collaboration with city departments and fellow professionals in her field for the success of all programs.

Wife and mother of four adult daughters, Ember enjoys spending quality time with her family. With Ember’s newest role of Mimi, you can find her enjoying special experiences with her grandson, Dawson.