Age
43
Occupation / Current Position
Mental Health Therapist at area non-profit
Education
Masters Degree in Community Counseling
Experience & Qualifications
I have a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley University in Psychology and Spanish. I also hold a master's degree from Western Michigan University in community counseling and currently work as a Licensed Clinical Counselor. I also sit on the board for GR Mobile
Campaign Phone
(616)430-5751
As a mental health therapist I have spent my life helping individuals and families in our city make their lives better. Being a commissioner would allow me to continue that work in a different capacity. Doing community counseling has given me insight into what factors come together to cause families to struggle. You can't solve a problem you don't understand, and my experience gives me knowledge for effective polity making. I have also spent much of my life advocating for the rights of our immigrant neighbors and friends. If elected I would be the first person fluent in Spanish to the ward. I was born and raised in GR, am active in my community and currently supporting West Grand Neighborhood Assoc. in acquiring a community center.
As Grand Rapids grows we need to make sure that no one is left behind. I will work towards transparency in leadership and an economic plan to benefits all residents. Our community is grappling with a number of recent violent events involving young people. As a therapist I have been successful in helping youth stop criminal activity, manage their emotions and engage in positive activities. Together there is much we can do such as summer programing, mentorships and affordable quality childcare. These things support children and families as well as increase public safety. I also support community policing practices as well as the use of our co-response team. Our co-response team is already helping significantly reduce arrests and ER visits.
The cost of housing is a significant issue. I will work with the city to streamline permit processing for new builds as well as ADUs. While there is a need for affordable rentals, I want to make sure that we are giving the same attention to producing homes to purchase. Home ownership builds generational wealth and creates stability for children and neighborhoods.
As a therapist I have a real understanding of the importance of access to mental health services, which both improves lives and overall safety in the community. I will work to promote and grow our co-response team which has shown great promise diverting arrests and ER visits.
As a mother I believe all children should be within walking/ biking distance of a quality green space.
Data centers pose a serious risk to communities through their harm to the environment, affect on utility bills, chronic noise and light pollution that disturbs sleep. I will adamantly appose the building of any data centers around any community until all those issues are mitigated. Additionally, I would like the city of Grand Rapids to set an example for how to effectively regulate the use of AI and maintain appropriate human oversight. The use of AI should not be left to IT departments alone. This technology has developed faster than societies ability to understand its real impact, and we need to proceed with caution and create thoughtful boundaries for its use.
Age
39
Occupation / Current Position
Self Employed
Education
Bachelors - Diagnostic Medical Imaging
Experience & Qualifications
Community Organizer- Member of Corridor Improvement Authority, Economic Development board, Brownfield Redevelopment - Director of Operations for Fans of Valley Field
My combination of nonprofit leadership, business experience, healthcare background, and community service gives me a unique perspective on the challenges facing Grand Rapids.
I have served as Director of Operations for Fans of Valley Field, helping lead efforts to restore a historic community asset, organize public events, build partnerships, and secure significant investment in our neighborhoods. I've also worked as a consultant, business owner, and healthcare professional, giving me experience managing budgets, solving complex problems, and working with people from diverse backgrounds.
Grand Rapids is experiencing the challenges that come with growth. Housing costs are rising faster than many incomes, infrastructure is being stretched, and residents want to feel safe and connected in their neighborhoods. To address these issues, I support increasing housing supply through smart zoning and development policies, investing in infrastructure and stormwater improvements, and strengthening community-based public safety efforts. We must also ensure that economic growth benefits all neighborhoods by supporting small businesses, creating opportunities for working families, and maintaining vibrant public spaces. Growth should improve quality of life for current residents, not price them out of it.
Work with the commission to actually get things done, listen to residents and make positive change. Focusing on housing, environment, safety and business support.
There is no reason to have a data center in the city!
