Ariel "Dolly" Vinal         

I left Miami to attend college at the University of Washington, my dad's alma mater in Seattle, the birthplace of my parents. Forever a northwesterner, did I become shortly thereafter.
While at the UW, I joined Delta Gamma sorority and graduated with a BA in Sociology /Psychology.
I was married for 22yrs and have a son and daughter, Joe and Amy. My family time was spent in Spokane, WA where my husband had a practice in endodontics. I was able to enjoy the luxury of being a stay at home mom. We lived on acreage in the woods and enjoyed all the domestic activities wrapped in "country" life. In addition, being involved with community and ʻgiving backʻ were always priorities for me.
Since the kids were raised by the time I got divorced, I was free to move into a new chapter in my life. Many of my community activities were involved with fundraising and the production of events...Cavalette Musicals, my early beginnings! This opened the door to employment as the Social Director of the Eldorado Polo Club for the USPA Open in Palm Springs, CA, quite a transition for my first year on the street! From there to hotel development, real estate and finally General Contractor for my own landscape design firm...cocktail dress to hardhat, it’s all been interesting.
In 1993, after six years in San Diego, I returned to Mercer Island, WA to meet the need as caregiver to my mother. Living with her on the gorgeous island homestead of my grandparents made me realize that once again I was home. This was the time when I acquired my degree in landscape design and began my business, Urban Retreats. I presently work as a consultant with a focus on native habitat preservation and creation. I am actively involved as a community leader in the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Habitat program. Respect for our environment is at a critical point in our history.
I live in West Seattle in a wonderful little 100YO bungalow with a peekaboo view of Puget Sound. Sunset over the Olympics and the smell of the surf , a daily reminder of why I call this home.