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Professional Experience
Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Aug. 2015-Present. Brevard Public Schools Adult Education: American Sign Language Instructor (2019, 2020, and 2022), Iriving L. Branch Elementary School, Edwards Air Force Base Jan. 2011-2015. Royal Palm Charter School, Aug. 2008-2009. Substitue Teacher K-6th grade for BPS Schools K-6th from 2005-2007.Jupiter Elementary School from 2000-2003. Columbia Elementary in 2000.
Public Service
Odyssey of the Mind Coach/Volunteer from 2016-2019, AYSO Soccer Coach from 2010-2014.
Education
BA in Elementary Education (Kindergarten- 6th grade), Deaf Education (Kindergarten- 12th grade). MA in Deaf Education. Florida Professional Certification in Elementary Education K-6 and Deaf Education K-12th. Endorsements in ESOL (English Speakers of other Languages), Reading, and ASL (American Sign Language).
Campaign Phone
321-408-7711
Campaign Mailing Address
3532 Rushing Waters Drive, West Melbourne, FL. 32904
Student scholarships/vouchers redirect public tax dollars to private schools that are not required to meet the same accountability, transparency, or reporting standards as public schools. While supporters argue they offer families more choice, the disadvantages are significant: reduced funding for public schools, inconsistent oversight, and no guarantee of improved outcomes. When large sums leave the public system, the quality of education for the majority of students is weakened, especially in classrooms already facing resource shortages.
To reverse widening achievement gaps, Brevard must expand evidence based supports that meet students where they are. That includes stronger early literacy and math interventions, consistent behavior and mental health supports, and smaller class sizes in high need schools. We also need to improve family engagement and ensure every school has qualified, stable teachers. When resources, staffing, and support systems are aligned to student needs, gaps narrow and outcomes improve.
To attract and retain qualified teachers, Brevard must make teaching sustainable. That means competitive pay, manageable workloads, and consistent behavior and mental health supports for students. Strengthening mentoring for new teachers, improving school based leadership support, and ensuring access to high quality materials also matter. Retention improves when teachers feel respected, supported, and able to focus on instruction rather than constant crises or paperwork.
Book reviews should follow clear, consistent procedures grounded in state law and professional standards. Brevard’s process works best when trained media specialists, educators, and families all have a defined role. I support a transparent, predictable review system that keeps politics out of classrooms. I recommend improving communication so families understand how reviews work and ensuring decisions are based on age appropriateness, educational value, and established procedures.
Florida’s Sunshine Law requires School Board members to conduct the public’s business in public. That means meetings must be noticed, open, and documented, and Board members cannot discuss district business privately with one another outside those meetings. To avoid violations, I will keep all Board related discussions in public sessions, avoid one on one conversations about upcoming decisions, and ensure transparency so the community can see how and why decisions are made.
Professional Experience
I have nineteen years of experience as an educator in Florida’s public schools, working directly with students, families, and school staff to support academic growth and student success. Prior to entering education, I spent fourteen years as the owner and operator of Pasta And…, an Italian restaurant in Margate, Florida, where I managed budgeting, staffing, customer service, and day‑to‑day operations. I have also worked as a licensed real estate sales associate, gaining additional experience in contracts, negotiations, and the importance of strong neighborhood schools to local communities.
Public Service
For nearly two decades, my work in elementary education has allowed me to build strong connections with families and the broader community. I have been actively involved in school‑based extracurricular activities and family engagement events that support student learning and strengthen school‑community relationships. In addition, I spent many years supporting my daughters’ soccer and swim teams, contributing to youth sports programs that help children grow with confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
Education
* B.A. in Italian Studies, Florida State University * Education coursework completed at Florida Atlantic University * Real Estate License – Sales Associate * Reading Endorsement Certification * ESOL Endorsement Certification * Professional development in Conscious Discipline * Training through the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education * Professional development in Clinical Educator Training
Campaign Mailing Address
100 7th Avenue, Indialantic, FL 32903
Student scholarships/vouchers have existed in Florida for years to support families facing challenges. In the 2023–24 school year, the state removed all financial eligibility requirements. As a result, voucher participation more than doubled in two years—from 150,000 to over 300,000 students—siphoning funding away from public schools. Roughly 69% of recipients never attended a public school. Research consistently shows voucher students do not perform better academically. However, when public schools are fully and equitably funded, children experience stronger academic outcomes, higher lifetime earnings, and fewer interactions with the criminal justice system. Reasonable voucher restrictions can help ensure public funds are used effectively.
To close widening achievement gaps, we must prioritize early intervention. Research-based phonics and reading programs, supported by qualified teachers, instructional assistants, and literacy coaches, make a measurable difference. After nearly two decades in the classroom, I’ve seen how explicit, systematic English Language Arts instruction—carefully taught, practiced, and applied—helps struggling readers succeed. Many students lack literacy support at home, making high-quality instruction essential. We must protect K–2 reading blocks and provide additional resources to schools serving students with the greatest needs. Investing in early literacy strengthens outcomes for all students.
Teacher retention is a growing challenge in Brevard County. Our beautiful beaches, outdoor lifestyle, warm winters, and thriving space industry should help attract educators, but we must also create conditions that encourage them to stay. That starts with fostering positive school cultures led by the School Board and reducing the fear of political or cultural backlash so teachers can focus on teaching. We can expand opportunities for professional development, leadership roles, and career advancement. The 1-millage proposal and half-cent sales tax can support competitive compensation, safer campuses, and well-equipped learning environments. Investing in our educators is essential to strengthening our schools and student outcome.
The current BPS book process is overly lengthy, costly, and it creates an environment that makes it harder to attract and retain high‑quality teachers. Books under review should remain available to students until the committee reaches a final decision; pulling them prematurely amounts to censorship before any findings are made. A fair process must rely on clear, consistent criteria such as age appropriateness and educational value. Parents should always have the right to guide what their own children read, but restricting access for all students undermines intellectual freedom and weakens school culture.
The Sunshine Law requires that all School Board decision-making occur in the open so the public can observe and participate in the process. To comply with the law, board business cannot be discussed outside a properly noticed public meeting. Board members must avoid communicating with one another—whether through text messages, emails, social media, phone calls, or intermediaries—about matters that may come before the Board. Transparency, accountability, and openness are not optional; they are essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring that decisions are made fairly and in full view of the community.
