Rhonda graduated with highest honors from the University of Idaho with 3 degrees: a M.S. in Child Development and Family Studies, with a minor in Guidance and Counseling, a B.S. in Elementary Education, with a minor in Science, and a B.S. in Child Development. She also received the Theophilus Award from the University of Idaho, which is given to the top senior for academic achievement, professionalism, and service.

She is currently certified as a Nevada specialist in K-12 Gifted and Talented Education and has a State of Nevada Teaching License/Certificate. She has worked as an instructor in Human Development and Family Studies, Early Childhood Education, and Psych/Sociology at Truckee Meadows Community College for many years. She also mentors students who are completing their practicums, (similar to student teaching), in early childhood education.

For over 30 years, Rhonda has mentored and coached a diverse population of people from all walks of life. She has worked with first-time college students to build skills and ensure success and she has worked with people with disabilities ranging from paralysis to blindness to Autism. In addition to working as an Employment Specialist and Job Coach for Expanding Life, LLC, she works as an independent contractor with Head Start Teachers throughout rural Nevada. Her hands-on work with the teachers involves observation, assessment of skills, setting professional development goals, and tracking progress each school year. She provides training to boost skills, and she has been very successful in increasing the skill levels, as measured using standardized tests & assessment tools. Rhonda has been professionally trained to observe, assess skills and environments, and to mentor, train, and coach.

Rhonda has worked in northern Nevada, as well as rural Nevada, for many years to better the educational levels and self-esteem of children and adults of all ages. She especially loves working with foster youth because the progress is remarkable. In addition, she has been a 4H Leader, Girl Scout Leader, Master Teacher at the University of Nevada Reno and the University of Idaho. She has been on the boards of local non-profit businesses. Her long-term community professionalism allows her a wide array of networking contacts in multiple areas from theatre to education to multiple work places.

Rhonda has been involved in professional and community theatre for over thirty years. She has performed with: The Nevada Opera Company, Nevada Shakespeare, Nevada Reparatory, Hadassah, TMCC, Wrotwang Productions, Circles of Light Productions and the Stars Foundation. She is truly a life long learner who works to instill this love of learning in others.