KLVB Is proud to announce our officers for 2026

My husband and I moved to Lago Vista in December of 2020. I had just retired after 30 odd

years of teaching secondary English Language Arts, a career I chose with a passion to make a

difference in the lives of kids. One of my colleagues, commenting on my retirement, asked what

I would do. I told him I was going to work to save the environment instead of students. But

these were the waning days of the pandemic and we lived at a distance from others. So I joined

the Austin branches of the Sierra Club and Native Plant Society, which met via Zoom. I attended

seminars, learning about native plants and local wildlife, including spiders and fireflies. I could

do everything from my home office. As people began to gather again, I sought out the local

garden club but was directed to a meeting of Keep Lago Vista Beautiful.

That was a happy accident. I found a group of people with a desire to improve the lives of the

citizens of Lago Vista through environmental projects and the arts. I would continue my

education about the care of plants in this hill country place from some real hands-on experts.

When Denise Sellers stepped down from her 4 year stint as president, I hesitantly volunteered

to take on the mantle. It has been a challenge for me in so many ways, and I have learned

about far more than plants and gardening. I have learned a bit about art and artists, the

workings of city government, and how much trash people simply leave about. I have learned

about people who are willing to volunteer to take on the hard jobs, and just how passionate they

can be. This past year has been a rewarding one for me, and I look forward to growing in

knowledge and leadership in this second year.

Born and raised near Detroit, Michigan as one of nine children I learned life's  lessons early: Grit and hard work will take you far. After finishing graduate school, (while working full time  in a paper factory to pay for it), I did a stint in the Peace Corps in Botswana. 

Upon my return from Africa,I moved to the Pacific Northwest where my daughter Emily was born.My ex-husband, daughter Emily and I moved to Austin in the late 90.I subsequently took a job with the Texas Water Development Board eventually managing their very large Clean and Drinking Water federal grants. After retiring from he state in 2014, I was hired by the City of Austin as a budget analyst. Eight years later I threw I put my pencil away retiring again.In the meantime, my daughter Emily grew up and moved, of all places, to Detroit, Michigan! I am the proud grandmother of Theodore a 20-month-old boy. I try to visit as much as I can. 

In the meantime I became a proud grandmother of Theodore, who is now 19 months old. He lives (of all places) back in my hometown of Detroit so you will see me traveling back and further as much as I can. 

My husband Doug Youngblood and I have been in Lago since early 2020 and I got involved with KLVB shortly afterward. I started picking up trash and digging holes for plants.I am currently responsible for the "Wall" which is what we call the Lago Vista sign at the corner of 1431 and Lohman's Ford Road in front of CVS.I’m honored to be selected as your latest Treasurer and realize I have some big shoes to fill. Thank you to the most recent Treasurers Denise Cole and Ken for making my job as easy as possible and placing all expenses in and 

for your kind support.

In the past month I returned to the City of Austin as a temp working in the budget section of Austin Technology Services. I serve as your Treasurer as well as Secretary for the Library Advisory Board. If you need me email me at klvbtreasurer@gmail.com. I try to respond to every email within a day, so if I don't best to ping me again. 

Thank you to the membership for entrusting me with this important position. I consider myself a public servant and will attempt to guard and guide the financial health of KLVB. 

"I'm so excited to serve a second term as vice president of KLVB. When I first joined the group, my goal was to dive deeper into gardening and plant care, but also to connect with my community and serve it in a meaningful way. Gardening has always been a passion of mine, so being able to plug in through KLVB to help it accomplish its mission and goals really felt like the perfect fit. This year, I’m looking forward to learning more about everything KLVB does and using my skills and connections to help the organization flourish and do even more good for our town.

When I’m not volunteering with KLVB, you can usually find me enjoying the amazing outdoors here in Lago Vista. I love paddleboarding on our beautiful lake with friends, hiking the scenic trails, or getting my steps in with the Lago Vista Run/Walk Club. There’s always something to do, and I’m so thankful to be in such an active and beautiful community.

Something you might not know about me is that I’ve been a full-time professional photographer for 19 years, specializing in school sports teams and high school senior portraits in Austin. Capturing these special moments for families is such a rewarding part of my life. I moved to Lago Vista in 2021, and even though I’m still fairly new to the area, I’m so grateful for the welcoming community and excited to continue growing here, both personally and as part of KLVB. I look forward to making more friends, engaging in and serving Lago Vista, and helping us all to further enjoy our beautiful “lake life.”"

I was born and raised in South Austin, Oak Hill to be exact.  Spent weekends and summers at the Family lake house on Lake LBJ. After graduation I attended Texas A&M University. My career started in Veterinary Medicine but eventually morphed into an almost 30-year career in Water Utilities. Most of my career was at the City of Denton doing water quality, regulatory compliance and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).  

My daughter and son-in-law live in Lago Vista and in April of 2024 I decided I needed to get back to the Hill Country. In the short time that I have been in Lago Vista I have already grown to love the beautiful sunset and peaceful outdoors. The abundant wildlife speaks to my love of animals and I enjoy spending time watching and caring for them.  

My daughter started playing hockey when she was 12 years old and still plays today. We spend a lot of time at the various hockey rinks. Two or three times weekly.  We also love to be out on the water. Boating, paddling or skiing. I look forward to serving as Secretary of KLVB. I have met many wonderful people through KLVB.