By Ashley Wiggin

By day, Simone Nelson’s job as a fiscal specialist for TIER conjures images of paperwork and e-mail. But at night, Simone swaps her desk job for a pair of roller skates and her alter-ego identity as Libby Raider of the Rat City Roller Girls.

Now in its fifth year, the Rat City Roller Girls are a competitive roller-derby group started by four women in White Center. “I love the female camaraderie, the exercise and the community commitment that comes with being a part of the team,” Simone said. “It is a lot of work, with practices and engagements, but I love it.”

Simone was inspired to join the team in 2005 after learning about its commitment to community service. “It is important to give back what you can,” she said. “Sometimes giving money is difficult, but you can always give your time.”

Through the Rat City Roller Girls, Simone was able to continue her commitment to volunteer work that was sparked 16 years ago when she began participating in the Courage Classic, a three-day, 150-mile bike ride that raises money for Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Foundation to prevent child abuse and neglect. “Knowing that the money I raise goes directly to buying things for the children is especially important to me,” she said.

Her service through the Rat City Roller Girls has included street cleanups in White Center, habitat restoration in West Seattle and partnerships with local nonprofits Home Alive and Dress for Success.

Simone’s attitude toward giving recently inspired her to become involved with the Staff Advisory Council at the SoN as well, working to enhance the school’s staff environment. “I think it’s very important to have a body that advocates and represents staff interests,” she said.

Born in California and raised in Texas, Simone came to Seattle in high school and attended the UW for her undergraduate degree. She received her master’s degree in policy from UW Bothell. Before joining the SoN in 2000, Simone worked in medical education and the Department of Forestry.

When she’s not in the rink, Simone loves spending time with her dog, Bizmo, knitting, biking and reading. She lives in Woodinville and has one college-aged daughter.

To learn more about the Rat City Roller Girls and Mary Bridge’s Courage Classic, please visit http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/ and http://www.courageclassic.org.