Retired from U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, served as full-time VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) with VVIP/Artemis House for 1 year, then as a staff member and Resource Development Coordinator.
In addition to her involvement with VVIP, Julia also serves on the board of directors with the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center and volunteers at the Spearfish Food Pantry, Good Shepherd Clinic, and with Lawrence County 4-H. She is a member of Northern Hills Master Gardeners and Beta Sigma Phi sorority. Julia has had a number of experiences which motivated her to join AmeriCorps as a VISTA and begin her association with VVIP. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Western State College of Colorado and her Masters in Public Administration from University of Alaska Southeast. Prior to working for the federal government, Julia was a paramedic and firefighter. Serving as a first responder to domestic and sexual violence emergencies were difficult and challenging and in 2013, the daughter of a good friend was the victim of a domestic violence murder-suicide. These experiences gave Julia a passion for fulfilment of the VVIP mission. She and her husband live in Spearfish and she cherishes time with family and friends, and enjoys reading, travel, and outdoor activities