Campaign Phone
810-730-5819
Education
Bachelor of Science - University of Michigan-Flint, Master in the Art Teaching - Marygrove College
Experience
With nearly 30 years as an educator in Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools, including 16 years as President of the Carman-Ainsworth Education Association negotiating numerous contracts, I understand our schools from the inside out. My service on the Michigan Education Association and NEA Boards of Directors gave me a broader view of the policy and funding challenges facing public education. That experience—listening, building consensus, and managing budgets responsibly—is what I'll bring to the Grand Blanc Board of Education.
Community Involvement
Beyond my work in education, I'm an active member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church and have supported a number of charitable organizations throughout my career. I also serve as a trainer for the National Education Association, helping schools across the country build safe, welcoming environments for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. This work reflects a core belief I bring to the Board: every student deserves to feel safe and supported in order to learn and thrive.
Campaign Message
Building A Bright Future for Every Student!
Endorsements
UAW, Greater Flint AFL-CIO, Northen Midwest Carpenters Union, Unity Fund, State Representative Jasper Martus, Grand Blanc Township Trustee Michelle Ryder
With nearly 30 years as an educator in Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools, I understand our classrooms from the inside out. As Secondary Educator Support Coach, I personally mentor new and non-tenured teachers. For 16 years, I served as President of the Carman-Ainsworth Education Association, negotiating five contracts and building consensus at the bargaining table. My service on the Michigan and National Education Association Boards broadened my views on education policy and funding statewide and nationally. I also train schools nationally on student safety, and stay active in my church and our local community. That's the steady, experienced leadership I'll bring to this board.
I've flown on plenty of airplanes, but that doesn't make me qualified to fly one. Too often, education policy gets written by people who sat in a classroom once, not those who spent careers there. I ran because after nearly 30 years as an educator, and 16 years negotiating contracts as President of the Carman-Ainsworth Education Association, I know what actually happens in our schools every single day. I've trained teachers, sat across the bargaining table, and worked directly with students. Grand Blanc deserves a board member with real classroom expertise, not just good intentions, guiding decisions that shape our students' futures each and every day.
My top priorities are academic achievement, career and technical pathways, fiscal responsibility, student safety and mental health, staff support, and family engagement. As a board member, I'd push for data-driven curriculum review so students are challenged and supported. I'd expand CTE partnerships with local trades and employers, giving students real paths to good careers. I'd insist on transparent budget reporting so taxpayers understand where funds go. On safety, I'd advocate for adequate counseling staff and consistent protocols. My experience as C-AEA President taught me how to give staff a real voice, because retaining great teachers is one of the best investments we can make in kids.
School boards face real challenges ahead: tightening budgets as state funding fails to keep pace with rising costs, teacher shortages and retention struggles, and growing student mental health needs. Chronic absenteeism remains a serious concern, along with preparing students for careers in a rapidly changing economy shaped by AI and automation. Boards also face increasing political polarization around curriculum and policy decisions, making it harder to focus on what truly matters for our kids. My long experience negotiating contracts and working directly with staff and students gives me the steady, practical perspective needed to navigate these challenges responsibly each day.
Beyond my professional background, I want voters to understand the values that shape my approach to public service. My grandfather was a founding member of the IBEW at Detroit Edison, and despite only an eighth grade education, that union job allowed him to provide well for his family. His story shaped my belief in opportunity through hard work and fair treatment for all. I am also an active member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church and have supported charitable organizations throughout my career. I approach this role with a commitment to steady, experienced, nonpartisan leadership focused on students. My campaign theme reflects that same commitment to service, collaboration, and putting children first in every decision this board makes.
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Campaign Phone
810-610-5015
Education
BSBA, CTA, Continuing professional education in Real Estate, business leadership and school board governance
Experience
Business Owner, Commercial Development & Management, PTO Board Member, Community Volunteer
Community Involvement
My community involvement has centered around placemaking—bringing people together and creating spaces, events and experiences that strengthen a sense of belonging. I have experience planning and executing large community events, collaborating with local businesses and organizations, and grant writing to help secure funding for community initiatives. I’ve also been actively involved in our schools through volunteering and PTO leadership. Much of what I’ve done professionally and personally has shared the same goal: connecting people, building relationships and creating a stronger community.
Campaign Message
Building strong schools by strengthening the relationships around each child. Building strong schools by strengthening the relationships around every child.
My professional background is in business ownership, real estate and commercial development, where I’ve gained experience with budgeting, strategic planning, problem-solving and making difficult decisions while considering the people those decisions affect. But I also believe some of my most valuable experience comes from being a mom and being actively involved in our schools and community. Through volunteering and serving with our PTO, I’ve had opportunities to listen to teachers, parents and students and see our schools from a perspective that goes beyond my own children.
My children were certainly the reason I became more involved in our schools, but they aren’t the only reason I’m running.
The more time I spent in our schools and talking with teachers, families and members of our community, the more I realized how deeply our schools affect the health of our entire community. I became especially passionate about student mental health, belonging and making sure teachers have the support they need to care for increasingly complex student needs.
I love this community, and I don’t want to simply have opinions about what could be better—I want to be willing to do the work.
I want every child in Grand Blanc to feel seen, safe, supported and excited to learn—and every teacher to feel they have the support to make that possible. I’m especially passionate about student mental health and taking a proactive approach by helping children build emotional regulation, resilience and healthy communication skills. Class size, teacher support and student well-being are deeply connected. I want to listen to our educators and families, identify where gaps exist, and thoughtfully invest in the people and resources that help our children thrive.
I believe schools will continue facing difficult decisions around funding, staffing, class sizes, enrollment, mental health, and growing behavioral and academic needs. Just as important will be maintaining trust and communication. We won’t always agree, but we can listen, stay respectful and remember who is at the heart of every decision—our kids. Strong boards must balance today’s needs with long-term responsibility, ask hard questions, remain adaptable, and support the teachers and staff who show up for our children every day.
I’m running independently and believe our schools are strongest when we focus on people, not partisan politics. My background is in business, but my heart is in community. I’m proudest of creating spaces and experiences where people feel connected and know they belong. As a mom and community member, I’ll come prepared, ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully and approach difficult conversations with respect. I’m not running because I believe everything is wrong with our schools. I’m running because I believe deeply in their importance. Our schools are one of our greatest community investments, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve, learn and help make them stronger for every child and family in Grand Blanc—now, and always.
Education
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.); Residency at Wayne State University; Fellowship in Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit.
Experience
Doctor. Educator and Advocate for my community. Clinical Assistant professor, Michigan State University. Vice Chair of Radiology, Hurley Medical Center.
Community Involvement
Physician serving the community for more than 13 yrs; mentor and educator to medical students and residents; member of the Physician Recruitment Board for Radiology Partners; Grand Blanc parent of two children in the district. Actively involved in our schools, robotics, youth sports, soccer and running communities, local community events and charitable organizations throughout Genesee County.
Campaign Message
Student Centered vision=>Fit body. Fit mind. Academic Excellence. Support Teachers
Endorsements
Michigan Education Association
As a physician serving this community for over 13 years, I bring leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration. I see strong parallels between healthcare and education: the best outcomes occur when we listen, analyze, work together, and never lose sight of the person we are serving. I would bring that same student-centered approach and commitment to whole-student development to the Grand Blanc School Board.
I also bring a parent’s perspective and an athlete’s mindset focused on growth, consistency, and continuous improvement. Meaningful progress is a marathon, not a sprint.
As a physician and an invested parent, I care deeply about the future of our children, our schools, and our community. I decided to run for school board because I want to contribute in a meaningful way.
I want to listen to our community and help keep students at the center of every decision.
I believe I can bring a thoughtful, collaborative perspective to Grand Blanc schools, be a strong voice for our students and families, and help build a stronger foundation for the future of our children and our community.
My priorities are academic excellence, student well-being, and comprehensive support for teachers.
Academic Excellence: Focus on early literacy and secondary math, ensuring growth and opportunity for every student.
Fit Body, Fit Mind: Support students’ physical, mental, and social well-being so they can thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Support Our Teachers and Staff: Ensure educators feel valued and have the resources and support they need to succeed.
As a school board member, I will bring a collaborative, data-driven approach to the table. By focusing on practical, evidence-based solutions, I will work tirelessly to support Grand Blanc students, families, and educators.
The main challenges our school boards and districts face are strengthening academic achievement, keeping schools safe, meeting the changing needs of students, and providing resources our teachers need.
We are raising a generation deeply immersed in digital devices, constantly distracted, and accustomed to instant gratification. As AI reshapes the future of work and learning, schools must place greater emphasis on developing students who are academically capable, emotionally intelligent, and able to think critically.
We need to help students use technology responsibly while acquiring the skills they will need to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
I am a physician, educator and advocate for my community. As a Clinical Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, Vice Chair of my department at Hurley Medical Center, and a recipient of the Faculty of the Year Award, I have dedicated my career to serving my community.
Beyond my professional life, I am a Grand Blanc mom to two soccer-loving boys, an avid runner, and married to a critical care physician who enjoys golf. As a family, we value health, activity, and lifelong learning. I have seen how strong bodies support strong minds, both on and off the field. That perspective shapes my belief in whole-student development.
I am endorsed by the Michigan Education Association, and I look forward to earning the trust of our community.
