Novato, CA 1953

Born in Germany in 1953 to Estonian parents. Grew up in Los Angeles, attending Estonian school, folkdance, scouts, and later Metsaülikool. Graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 1976 with a BA in Urban Studies. In the same year, married Don Bartling, and moved to the San Francisco Bay area, where they have been living since. They have three grown children.

Retired from a 31-year career with the National Park Service in 2009, which included serving as Deputy Superintendent of a large urban national park, and leadership roles in the transitioning of former Army Iands into national parklands.

Being part of Estonian organizations has brought deeper meaning and purpose to my life. I served on the LEP-ESTO 2013 Board, organizing several events and helping to develop the overall conference program. Since 2013, I have served as president of the Estonian Society of San Francisco and Northern California, where I helped start an adult Estonian language “Keelering” and choir. Our SF Society's leadership group today keeps our "Eesti by the Bay" community growing with a newsletter, regular activities, and program of cultural events. We see our role as welcoming and connecting Estonians, and keeping Estonian culture alive in the SF Bay Area.

I also serve on the Estonian League of the West Coast (EOLL) Heritage Board, and on Vaba Eesti Sõna's kolleegium (newspaper “Free Estonian Word” Advisory Board). I have served on the Council since 2014, because I believe in EANC's mission and its unique and important role as an inclusive national organization.

I have attended every annual meeting since being elected to the Council in 20l4, and have attended JBANC's 2015 and 2017 conferences. I have also participated in Baltic Advocacy activities in 20l7, 2018, and this year, 2022, when it has been so important for the U.S. Congress to hear Estonian American concerns regarding Ukraine and Baltic security.

I have been an EANC Board member since joining the Council in 2014; since 2018 I have served as Vice President. Among the committees I have served on are: ~ Strategy committee (since 2014), updating EANC's strategic plan and improving its website; ~ Estonian Books disposition committee (2016/2017);

~ EANC awards gala committee (2016), bringing the event to the West Coast for the first time;

~ EV103 Virtual Program committee 2021 to celebrate Vabariigi aastapäev despite pandemic conditions;

~ Virtual Fundraising Auction ESTO|Raiser committee (2021) raising money for Estonian houses and facilities;

~ EANC Visnapuu Award for Arts and Letters committee (2021-2022) to re-establish the award.