Leaders: Sela

Life Experience:

I was born in Butte, Montana and am the older of two girls. I received my BA in English from San Diego State as well as a Masters of Fine Arts.

My family moved so many times when I was a kid I can't even count how many schools I went to and I lived six years in England because of my Dad's job. I know from personal experience that the same problems exist in every school across the country and it gives me a way to identify and connect with youth in each school I work.

My son's father brought Challenge Day to his school and his family kept it going for 13 years. After Columbine when they knew they needed to add leaders, I was referred because of my work in college. That work was mostly drug, alcohol and violence prevention and I was speaking at national conferences across the nation on these topics. I also taught in the Social Work Department at San Diego State so this was a natural fit for me.

Since coming to Challenge Day, in the last six years I grew up! I became a mom, the most important thing in the world to me, and I am an active part of my son's very progressive school. I have touched the lives of tens of thousands of students' lives and been the recipient of some of the most incredible testimonials about the power of this work any one could imagine. That is what keeps me going.

If you really knew me:

If you really knew me, you'd know I believe in the power of our young people.

I am passionate about travel and the lessons that it brings. You would also know that the study of other cultures fascinates me.

If you really knew me, my 5 year old son makes my life a comedy routine and I love every minute of it.

The love of my family, my mom, dad and sister, is supremely important to me. It is the foundation for all my growth and the roots to which I return again and again. I am very blessed in this way.