Valerie was born a true California girl.  Her family owned and operated 13 California Donut Shops where she spent many days participating and learning about small business ownership.  This is also where she took part in many vendor events.  She excelled in school and participated in a wide variety of clubs and activities.  Not only was she a star member of the baking club, she was also an Ice Capades skater.   Valerie was also was sponsored by Electlon Racquet Club while a member of the National Racquetball Association.  Besides her activity in the rink and club, in true California fashion, she was a lifeguard on Santa Monica beach.  

From the sunny beaches of Southern California, Valerie ended up heading to Minnesota where she graduated from the University of Duluth.  Upon completion of college, she went on to have two children, Carter, and Mikaila who, like their mom, have also gone on to become college graduates.  

In 2002, Valerie has been employed with Eden Prairie Schools as a FSA2.  She started as a floater and worked her way up through the nutrition department ladder.  She has always worked with reliability, confidence, integrity and character.  She prides herself on supervising day to day needs of the students, while offering healthy and nutritious breakfast and lunch items.  Her goals are to keep all daily operations on task while maintaining student participation.  

Valerie has also become a specialized trainer for her own business, Starting Out Smart by Valerie.  This has been a successful business for over 17 years promoting SNA memberships and certification of all levels.  She also trains with the Minnesota Department of Health and shadowed with a MN Food Inspector at the Minnesota State Fair and  as a ServSafe proctor all while maintaining her Food Handlers certificate.

Valerie also attend to her credentials by obtaining with ServSafe “Servsafe Alcohol” and ServSafe “Allergens” certification. Along with completing with ServSafe /ServSafe Food Handlers Certification  

Currently, Valerie is the” President of the MSNA “after having worked her way up from many other positions.  Her main goal is to encourage, promote and maintain chapter meetings while discussing current topics.  She finds interesting and motivating speakers, as well as promoting local events that keep members engaged in learning.  She is recognized as a “Platinum Member with an SNA Star Award.  She frequents the MNSA convention yearly, and is excited to get to the Nashville meeting!  She also prides herself on being a union steward providing knowledge of the organization, member involvement, and attending negotiations.