Valerie joined the staff of Jules Stein Eye Institute in October 2004. She is the Volunteer Coordinator and takes great pride and pleasure in recruiting and training volunteers, as well as expanding and implementing the JSEI Affiliates community outreach programs and Institute volunteer opportunities.

Valerie received her B.A. degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara in Communication Studies and spent six years in hotel management before earning a Multiple Subject Professional Clear Teaching Credential from California State University at Northridge. Prior to joining JSEI, Valerie taught in public and private schools in Santa Monica.

Valerie's enthusiasm for philanthropy and volunteerism was sparked when she was in high school and has continued to be an important part of her adult life. Girls Scouts of America, National Charity League, Big Brother and Sisters of America, and Alpha Chi Omega Sorority have all benefited from Valerie's time and talents and her personal philosophy that we all need to help make the world a better place.

Valerie's passion for volunteering, combined with her management and classroom experiences, enable her to evaluate the programs' needs and initiate creative solutions, such as authoring An Eye Opening Experience for Brian and Brittany. This children's book is read to the students by their teachers prior to the JSEI Affiliates preschool vision screening (PSVS) visit. The book was illustrated by Kathy Kamel and published by the Doris and Jules Stein UCLA Support Group.

Valerie has passed on her commitment to volunteering and community service to her daughter, Brittany, who has earned the Girl Scout Silver Award and Gold Award. Brittany served as a United States Senate Page and represented her high school in Girls' State.