After graduating from Western Washington State College. Ms. Thiessen started out her career as a teacher. When she and her husband moved to Skagit County. she turned her attention to raising sons Kyle and Scott and volunteering in the community. One of her volunteer projects she was most proud of was helping to bring childcare to migrant families in Skagit County so children wouldnt have to be in the fields while their parents were in the fields picking fruit and vegetables. It was during her years as a volunteer for the local Democratic Party that she met Lloyd Meeds. Her volunteer efforts for Rep.