VOTE411 Voter Guide

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I’m running because I know firsthand the power of a strong public education. Growing up in Sheboygan, my teachers, mentors, and school community believed in me and opened doors I never thought possible. That same opportunity—to feel safe, supported, and prepared for the future—is what I want for every student in SASD.

I’ve spent my 17+ years in education and nonprofit leadership working to ensure that all students, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance, have access to high-quality education, strong support systems, and meaningful opportunities for growth.

I’m running to empower students—to ensure every learner has the resources, relationships, and real-world experiences they need to discover their strengths, explore their interests, and build a strong foundation for the future they choose.

I’m running to support teachers and staff—to advocate for competitive salaries, ongoing professional development, and the resources they need to engage students, implement evidence-based practices, and stay in the profession they love.

I’m running to strengthen family and community connections—because strong schools are built on trust, transparency, and collaboration between educators, families, and the greater Sheboygan community.

Our district is at a critical moment—navigating teacher shortages, student mental health challenges, funding constraints, and shifting workforce needs. These challenges require leaders who listen, learn, and lead with integrity.

As a former special education teacher, district leader, and national education advocate, I bring deep experience in evidence-based instruction, school finance, policy, and community engagement. But beyond my expertise, I bring a commitment to data-driven, student-centered decision-making—ensuring that every choice we make as a district reflects the best interests of students, teachers, and families.

This is about building a stronger SASD for every child, every educator, and every family—not just today, but for generations to come.

That’s why I’m running. And that’s why I ask for your support.

My core goals focus on empowering students, supporting educators, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure every child in SASD has the opportunities, resources, and relationships they need to succeed.

1) Empower Students with Equitable Access to High-Quality Education -Close opportunity gaps by ensuring all students—regardless of background, ability, or socioeconomic status—receive the instruction and support they need to thrive. -Strengthen career pathways, work experiences, apprenticeships, and dual-credit programs to prepare students for the workforce, technical school, or college, and community. -Expand mental health and student support services so that every child feels safe, valued, and ready to learn.

2) Equip Teachers & School Staff with Resources & Support -Advocate for competitive wages, improved working conditions, and ongoing professional development to recruit and retain the best educators. -Ensure teachers have evidence-based instructional tools, technology, and classroom support to meet the needs of diverse learners. -Reduce teacher burnout by promoting job-embedded coaching, mentorship programs, and collaborative planning time.

3) Strengthen Community & Family Partnerships -Improve communication and engagement between schools and families, ensuring parents feel informed, valued, and involved in their child’s education. -Expand community partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and higher education institutions to enhance student learning and career readiness. - Ensure transparent budgeting and responsible financial decision-making so resources are directed where they make the most impact, in alignment with our long-range plans.

SASD helped me DISCOVER my purpose and LIVE my purpose. As a school board member, I will continue to LEAD with purpose. I'll continue my lifelong work of removing barriers and building systems that improve community outcomes by connecting people, practice, and policy -- rooted in the best interests of students.

I bring 17+ years of experience in education and nonprofit leadership, giving me a deep understanding of teaching, school systems, policy, and community engagement, all of which are critical for serving on the school board.

As a former special education teacher and district leader, I understand what happens inside classrooms and how district policies impact students and teachers. I’ve supported curriculum implementation, professional development, and student services at both school and district levels, giving me insight into what works and what needs improvement.

As VP of National Programs at the Autism Society of America, I led state and national initiatives in education, workforce development, public safety, and health care. This role gave me experience working with policymakers, securing funding, and implementing large-scale programs -- skills I will use to advocate for SASD at the local and state level.

As Director of Operations at Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, I focus on community partnerships, accessibility, and educational programming, reinforcing my commitment to collaborative leadership and ensuring that every child has access to meaningful learning experiences.

As a school board member since September, I have already been actively engaged in district policy discussions, budget planning, and community outreach. I have worked to listen, learn, and lead with transparency and student-centered decision-making.

Beyond my experience, my greatest strength is my ability to bring people together to solve complex challenges. I approach issues with data-driven decision-making, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to educational excellence for all, ensuring that SASD continues to empower students, support teachers, and engage families.

I have dedicated my entire career to education, inclusion, and community impact, and I am ready to continue that work as your school board member.

No two students need the exact same set of experiences, supports, or resources to succeed. Some students need extension and enrichment, while others need targeted intervention. Each learner brings unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations, yet too often, our education system applies a one-size-fits-all approach.

At the same time, mental health challenges, academic pressures, and increasing social complexity mean students need stronger support systems than ever before -- at a time when our broader system is facing record teacher shortages and funding gaps.

Students today are navigating a world that is changing faster than ever—shaped by new technologies, shifting workforce demands, and evolving social challenges which impact their focus, health, and academic achievement.

As a district -- we must ensure we are proactive -- and not reactive.

My role on the board will be to champion three key areas: Empowering Students – Ensuring all students have access to the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Equipping Teachers – Advocating for professional development, fair compensation, and classroom supports that allow educators to do their jobs effectively. Engaging Families and the Community – Strengthening partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations to create a support system that benefits all students.

Our responsibility is to create a school system that prepares all students for the future—one that balances accountability with flexibility, provides targeted support, and ensures every learner has a pathway to thrive in an ever-changing world.

If elected, I will work to ensure our district is forward-thinking, inclusive, and ready to meet students where they are and support them as they grow, empowering a community of learners and leaders.

Every student deserves access to learning experiences that inspire them, challenge them, and prepare them for success and fulfillment in whatever path they choose. I want to see SASD offer more personalized, hands-on, and future-focused opportunities that ensure students graduate confident, capable, and college/career/community ready.

I want to see expanded career-connected learning, with more apprenticeships, internships, dual-credit programs, and technical education pathways that connect students with real-world experience. Many students learn best through hands-on experiences, and we need to strengthen our partnerships with local businesses, trade schools, community organizations, and higher education institutions to create more meaningful career exploration and job training opportunities. We're seeing great results - and I want to ensure all students are able to participate in these types of learning opportunities.

Most importantly, I want every student, regardless of their background, learning style, or future aspiration, to have the support, flexibility, and resources they need to explore their interests, set meaningful goals, and take ownership of their success. Schools should be launchpads for opportunity, and we must ensure all students have access to experiences that engage them, inspire them, and set them up for a bright future.

In short, I see it as our job to ensure all doors to the future are open -- giving students the knowledge, skills, tools, practice, and confidence to walk through the doors they choose throughout their lives.

Let's keep opening doors to future employment & fulfillment! 🚪 College and University 🚪 Tech School 🚪 Trade School 🚪 Apprenticeship 🚪 Military Service 🚪 Public Service 🚪 STEM Careers 🚪 Supported Employment 🚪 Entrepreneurship 🚪 Arts and Creative Careers 🚪 Independent Living

Many people have asked me why I've chosen to run for the school board and what makes me a good choice.

- I believe all kids should feel safe and welcome in their classrooms so they can relax and learn, grow and know they matter. - I believe kids today are facing stresses and feeling anxiety differently perhaps than past generations. - Increasing access to mental health supports is vital. And support means more than just counselors and therapists. There are a lot of other groups, activities and resources that can play a role. - Increasing ways for kids to access groups, clubs, programs and resources offered by community partners is important. - And increasing ways for kids to engage outside the classroom to decrease loneliness and increase connection, all plays a role. So much learning happens outside the classroom, we have to stop expecting schools to do it all alone.

- Finally, I believe the experience I've gained leading Big Brothers Big Sisters makes me a unique voice at the table. I'm used to managing budgets responsibly, keeping my team nimble so we can shift programs and services as community needs require, and working alongside schools, teachers, families, businesses and other community organizations, daily.

I’d like to really understand where things stand with teachers. What are they seeing, thinking, hoping for. I feel that without collective bargaining in place, real thoughts may not be shared and the folks in the trenches are often who have some of the best ideas.

I'd like to try to analyze and leverage the many community partners to affect some change at the root cause of some issues facing students. How can services be brought into the school so low parent engagement, transportation barriers and a weak navigation system aren’t preventing support that’s available.

I’d like to be part of innovative discussions and possible planning to see how certain schools, which are not scoring as well as others, could have some pilot or unique approaches which really meet kids where they’re at. IE: Could Jefferson with it’s high Asian population, take an approach like Sheridan has with a dual language program for those Hmong students.

I really see my role as a unique one. I’m a community service leader with expertise in youth development, managing tight budgets and innovating program to try and improve outcomes for youth. AND, I’m a product of the district and mother of 3 elementary schoolers who not only are living amongst and experiencing some of the issues, but provide me a unique look “behind the curtain” so to speak about what’s really going on with kids in our schools. I have never been an educator or associated with any political work so my insights may not always be polished, but I think they would be incredibly valuable at the table.

I believe an unprecedented amount of external stressors is the biggest issue young people face. Societal issues, cyber bullying, constant propaganda by all sides of debates, unstable housing, food insecurity... just to name a few are all issues more and more young people are facing daily, on top of the pressure to learn and perform to high academic standards.

I believe it could be time to take some risks and really lean into innovative, collaborative partnerships that can bring resources to schools, attempt to meet kids where they're at and acknowledge learning isn't "one size fits all." I don't have the single answer, but I have many ideas that could be tried responsibly and safely in an attempt to address this growing issue.

The SASD really does a great job, currently, of offering an amazingly large array of opportunities to students. I think finding ways to increase awareness, remove possible barriers and try to increase parental engagement in what already exists, would be my focus.