Valerie is originally from Montana, though Kotzebue has been her home since 2006. She has worked as a TSA agent, AC cashier, aide at the school, and is now settled at the National Park Service as the Administrative Officer. She has volunteered for the Kobuk 440 since 2017  and served as a timekeeper for the Kobuk 440 in 2018. She enjoys pallet gardening in the summer and covering her house in Christmas lights in the winter. In her spare time, she loves walking along the beach with her dog Java.​