About Me

I am dedicated to improving the lives of those who live in my community. To do so requires that I serve as a relentless advocate for these neighbors. As a result of my career as an educator I have developed keen listening skills and have learned how to bring together those with differing points of view to achieve positive results.

I did not set out to become an educator, but as I began to search for a school for my daughter 23 years ago, I discovered there were a number of areas in the educational system that needed improvement. Instead of sitting back and complaining, I decided to do something about it.  Simply put, I changed my career, went back to school to secure the credentials I needed to obtain my teaching license so I could be the “difference that make the difference” through advocacy.

Today I’m still in the classroom teaching elementary students in grades K-5. I also teach students who have been identified as gifted and talented. No matter their background or age level, I provide my students with a safe and secure place to learn – a place where they can concentrate on their job as a student. I guide them through academic, social and emotional skills every day so they can enjoy a bright, healthy future. I represented the interest of students, parents and educators on a policy level by serving as a member of the Inver Grove Heights School Board until the citizens of District 53A elected me as their State Representative in 2022.

I decided to run for House after spending countless hours listening to parents and students. I recognized that there was a greater need for my advocacy to help address the kitchen table issues we all face, to address the issues faced by those with disabilities, to support economic opportunity initiatives that will strengthen small businesses and unions, to ensure safe communities, and to meet our pressing environmental challenges.

As a nearly 30-year resident of Dakota County I am keenly aware of the issues that my neighbors in District 53A face day in and day out. You can always count of me to fight for you as your Minnesota State Representative.

I invite you to learn more about where I stand on the issues.

 
 

My Experience

TRAINED EDUCATOR

  • St. Paul Public Schools teacher for 25 years

  • Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction

TRUSTED ADVISOR & LEADER

  • ISD199 School Board Member (present)

  • Vice Chair of Association of Metropolitan School District (AMSD)

  • Educators for Excellence Local Advisory Board Member

  • ISD199 Superintendents Advisory Council

  • Governor’s appointee to Minnesota Board of School Administrators (present)

  • St. Paul Schools Superintendent Shared Accountability Action Team

  • Teaching Fellows Program Assistant Director

  • Minneapolis Educational Leadership Awards Steering Committee

  • Involved in Positive Behavior Management Intervention Teams

PROJECT & BUDGET MANAGER

  • Helped develop annual Schoolwide Comprehensive Improvement Plans

  • Managed literacy grant budgets

  • St. Paul Federation of Educators Contract Action Team

  • Participated in facility construction planning

  • Completed school-wide mandated state reporting

  • Minnesota State University – Mankato Alumni Association Board of Director, President

ADVOCATE FOR EQUITY IN CLASSROOMS

  • Civil Rights Commissioner for City of Minneapolis

  • Minnesota Department of Education Teacher Equity Stakeholder Advisory Group

  • Involved in the Parent Teacher Organization