Education
BA, MA, PhD (all from the University of South Florida)
Professional Experience
Behavioral Scientist and Consultant
Public Service
Dually appointed gubernatorial trustee (Gov. DeSantis) in Florida. Trustee for Pasco Hernando State College and Florida Prison Rehabilitative Industries
I am a product of Pasco County Public Schools, a former Pasco County middle and high school teacher, college professor, and a father raising my own children here. My career has been dedicated to developing people, strengthening organizations, and solving complex challenges. I hold a Ph.D. in Behavioral Science and have spent years helping leaders improve communication, accountability, and performance across public and private organizations. I currently serve as a trustee for Pasco-Hernando State College, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, where I help oversee higher education governance and fiscal stewardship. My experience as an educator, executive leadership consultant, and community leader has prepared me to ask tough questions, make data-informed decisions, and always put students first. I believe our schools should focus on academic excellence, safe learning environments, supporting teachers, and maintaining transparency with parents.
As a School Board member, I will advocate for funding that directly supports student achievement, classroom instruction, school safety, and teacher retention. Pasco County continues to experience rapid population growth, and our funding must keep pace with the needs of our students and schools. I will work closely with our legislative delegation, state leaders, and community partners to ensure Pasco receives its fair share of resources. I also believe advocacy includes responsible stewardship. Before asking taxpayers for additional dollars, we must demonstrate that existing funds are being used efficiently and transparently. My goal is to maximize every education dollar by prioritizing investments that have a measurable impact on student outcomes while reducing unnecessary costs wherever possible.
My priorities are simple: students, classrooms, teachers, and school safety come first. If resources remain limited, I will prioritize funding for instructional materials, competitive teacher compensation, safe campuses, and items necessary to perpetuate student excellence. Every budget decision should answer one question: Does this improve student learning or school operations? If not, it should be carefully reviewed. I would support evaluating administrative growth, duplicative programs, and non-essential expenditures before reducing services that directly impact students. We must also continue seeking operational efficiencies through improved procurement and better long-term planning. Fiscal responsibility means protecting the classroom while ensuring taxpayers know their dollars are being spent wisely.
Recruiting great teachers begins with making Pasco a place where educators want to build a career. First, we must continue advocating for competitive compensation and benefits. Second, we need stronger mentorship programs that pair new teachers with experienced educators to improve retention during the critical first few years. Third, we should reduce unnecessary administrative burdens so teachers can focus on teaching rather than excessive paperwork. I also believe teachers deserve to have their voices heard. As a board member, I will regularly meet with educators, visit classrooms, and encourage open communication about the challenges they face. Supporting teachers means providing professional development, maintaining safe classrooms, recognizing excellence, and creating a culture where educators know they are respected and valued.
Student safety must always be our highest priority. I support proactive school safety measures, strong partnerships with law enforcement, regular emergency preparedness training, and investments in technologies that improve campus security. Mental health support should focus on early identification, timely intervention, and easy access to school counselors, experienced psychologists, and community resources while maintaining strong communication with parents. For students with special needs, I support ensuring individualized services are delivered effectively, strengthening partnerships with families, and providing teachers with the training and resources needed to help every student succeed. Every child deserves a safe learning environment where they can reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
Transparency builds trust. I will advocate for clear communication about board decisions, budgets, policies, and long-term planning before major votes occur. Parents, teachers, and community members should have meaningful opportunities to provide input through public meetings, listening sessions, and accessible digital communication. I also believe board members should be visible in our schools and communities, not just during board meetings. I will regularly visit schools, meet with educators and parents, and be available to listen to concerns from the public on a weekly basis. Every decision should be guided by facts, student outcomes, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. My commitment is to ensure families know not only what decisions are being made, but why they are being made and how they will benefit Pasco's students.
Education
Bachelor of Science (Psychology) – University of Florida (UF), Master of Education (UF), Specialist in Education (UF), Juris Doctor (UF), and PhD in Education Management – Hampton University
Professional Experience
Captain, United States Air Force, Veteran; Owner/Attorney, Coward & Coward, PA; Co-Founder/Staff Attorney, One Voice Children’s Law Center; Policy Attorney, Broward County Schools; Guidance Counselor, Pasco County Schools
Public Service
Pro Bono Attorney, Moore Mickens Education and Vocational Center; male youth development committee member/volunteer; church volunteer; scholarship program volunteer; literacy campaign volunteer; community clean-up volunteer
Campaign Phone
352-521-6076
My personal, educational and professional experiences set me apart. Born in Dade City, I am proud to be a daughter of Pasco. I attended Cox Elementary, Moore Mickens, Pasco Middle and Pasco Comprehensive High. As Salutatorian, I understood the importance of college, and later, bringing that education back home. I obtained a Master of Education, Education Specialist, Juris Doctor and Ph.D. in education, studying school board leadership in FL.
My career and service reflect leadership, accountability and commitment to children, families, teachers, staff and the community. I served as a Captain in the United States Air Force JAG Corps, and as a 22-plus-year business owner, have experience in leadership, budgeting and decision-making. I reviewed district policies for best practices, revised board policies for the nation’s sixth largest school district and co-founded a children’s law firm providing free legal services in education, delinquency, abuse and neglect matters.
I am Pasco Born, Pasco Raised and Pasco Ready! My experience as a Pasco student, counselor, attorney and policy consultant prepared me to serve Pasco. What’s more, I am committed to serving the community that shaped me.
Advocating for adequate funding for Pasco public education is a collective effort. The Board has the ultimate responsibility of meeting the needs and supporting the interests of the District and the students, families and employees it serves. While additional state funding for public education would be beneficial, the reality is that Pasco County Schools must continue working to support its schools, pay teachers and school related personnel competitively, and sustain and advance classroom resources within its existing budget and priorities.
In doing so, I would work with the Superintendent, legislators, local officials, employee representatives and community stakeholders to push for resources that support student success. This includes funding for safe schools, mental health services, competitive compensation for teachers and school related personnel, and programs that aid in the recruitment and retention of quality staff. I would also support transparent communication with the public about how funding decisions impact classrooms, services and student outcomes.
I would prioritize funding through a fiscally responsible approach that is guided by data, grounded in student needs and informed by families, educators, staff and the community. Existing student, classroom and infrastructure needs should be reviewed with a clear focus on student success, employee compensation, safety and essential District operations.
Students must come first. My priorities would be protecting classroom instruction, competitive compensation for teachers and school related personnel, safe schools, strong family and community partnerships, and the facilities needed to provide safe, appropriate and enriching learning experiences for students. If funding continues to be limited, I would first look for operational efficiencies, duplication, underused programs, deferred purchases or expenses that do not directly support student success, employee compensation, safety or essential District operations.
Any reduction should be considered carefully, transparently and only after reviewing the impact on students, classrooms, employees and the community.
I would focus on three areas to address teachers and other staffing shortages: Support, Stability and Efficiency.
First, I would support stronger mentorship and induction programs to ensure new teachers and staff are not left to figure things out alone. This should include experienced mentors, practical training, regular check-ins and support during the first years of employment.
Second, I would work to ensure teachers and other staff feel valued, respected and heard. Specific steps include listening to employees, reviewing workload concerns, supporting planning time, encouraging positive school climates and ensuring that concerns are addressed without fear of retaliation.
Third, I would support efficient hiring and onboarding to prevent qualified candidates from being lost to competing opportunities. I would also encourage showcasing our local culture, including smaller communities with supportive neighborhoods that may offer an enhanced quality of life. Additionally, I would support partnerships that help reduce recruitment barriers, including training and housing costs.
As a former counselor, I have seen firsthand that student safety, mental health and special needs are connected. Behavioral problems often have underlying causes, including mental health needs, unstable home environments, learning deficits, disabilities or a lack of connection to the school. In addition to existing safety measures, I believe the District should take a proactive and supportive approach.
I support strengthening mental health services, working toward the American School Counselor Association’s recommended 1:250 counselor-to-student ratio, applying discipline lawfully, consistently and transparently and using restorative practices when appropriate. I also support ensuring that students with disabilities receive appropriate services and accommodations, including effective IEPs and 504 plans, early intervention and significant collaboration with families.
I also support clear reporting systems where teachers, staff, students and families can raise safety or student support concerns with confidence, trusting that those concerns will be reviewed and addressed fairly and appropriately. I would also bring my child advocacy experience and whole-child approach to the District.
Transparency and community input should be first and foremost in the decision-making process. As a Board member, I would support decisions that are guided by data, grounded in student needs and informed by families, employees and community members before final action is taken.
Families, employees and community members should have timely access to information that is clear and understandable, not just after decisions have already been made. I would support opportunities for public participation, clear communication about what is being considered and a review of the impact on students, families, employees and schools. Additionally, I would personally commit to regularly going into our communities to engage stakeholders and ensure their voices are heard.
As a former Pasco student, Pasco guidance counselor, attorney and policy consultant, I understand that transparency is more than sharing a final decision. It requires clear information, public input and accountability throughout the decision-making process.
Education
Albany State University - Computer Information Systems
Professional Experience
CEO- The Gentlemen’s Course, Inc/ sit on multiple community boards
Campaign Phone
8133574545
I have dedicated my life to service. I served 10 years in the United States Marine Corps, including four combat deployments, where I developed leadership, accountability, and sound decision-making. After my military service, I founded The Gentlemen’s Course, a nonprofit that has directly served more than 1,700 students across five Florida counties through leadership development, workforce readiness, mentoring, etiquette education, and human trafficking prevention.
For years, I have partnered with schools, educators, law enforcement, and community organizations to support students beyond the classroom. These experiences have given me firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing our schools and the importance of strong community partnerships.
As a School Board member, I will focus on student success, supporting educators, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and preparing every student for college, careers, military service, or entrepreneurship.
I will work collaboratively with district leadership, fellow board members, state legislators, and community partners to advocate for increased investment in Pasco County Schools. I also believe we must pursue additional grant opportunities and responsible public-private partnerships to expand resources for students.
Equally important is ensuring existing funds are used efficiently. I support transparent budgeting that prioritizes classrooms, teachers, school safety, career and technical education, student mental health, and essential infrastructure. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being invested, and I will advocate for responsible stewardship of every dollar while keeping student success at the center of every budget decision.
My first priorities are classroom instruction, teacher support, student safety, exceptional student education, transportation, and maintaining safe school facilities. These directly impact student learning and should be protected whenever possible.
If funding remains limited, I would first review administrative costs, operational efficiencies, duplicate programs, and other nonessential spending before considering reductions that affect students or classrooms.
Every budget decision should be data-driven, transparent, and focused on improving student outcomes. I believe every taxpayer dollar should demonstrate measurable value while protecting the services students and teachers depend on every day.
Retention starts with respect. I support advocating for competitive compensation and benefits whenever financially possible.
Second, we must improve working conditions by reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, strengthening mentorship for new teachers, providing quality professional development, and ensuring educators have the classroom resources they need.
Finally, teachers deserve a meaningful voice. I support regular teacher advisory meetings and opportunities for educators to provide direct feedback before major district decisions are made. When teachers feel heard, supported, and valued, they are more likely to remain in the profession and continue serving our students.
Every student deserves a safe and supportive learning environment. I support strong partnerships with law enforcement, emergency preparedness, campus security improvements, and prevention-focused education to keep schools safe.
For mental health, I support expanding access to counselors, community partnerships, and early intervention services so students receive support before challenges become crises.
For students with disabilities and special needs, I support ensuring Individualized Education Programs are implemented effectively, strengthening communication with families, providing ongoing staff training, and expanding inclusive opportunities where appropriate. Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Transparency begins with communication. I will advocate for timely publication of meeting materials, clear explanations of board decisions, and meaningful opportunities for public input before major actions are taken.
I also plan to hold regular community listening sessions throughout District 1 and remain accessible to parents, teachers, students, and staff. I believe school board members should be visible in schools and engaged with the communities they serve.
Every decision I make will be based on facts, fiscal responsibility, and what is in the best interest of students. Strong public education depends on trust, accountability, and consistent community engagement.
Education
CSUN Bachelors degree
Professional Experience
Investor
Public Service
Many areas
Campaign Phone
3238236147
believe my combination of professional experience, community involvement, and lifelong commitment to Pasco County gives me a unique perspective to serve on the School Board.
I was born and raised in Pasco County and am a proud graduate of our public schools. As a U.S. Navy veteran, I learned the importance of leadership, accountability, discipline, and serving something greater than myself. Those values have guided me throughout my career and public service.
As a substitute teacher, I have had the opportunity to work directly in our classrooms, giving me firsthand insight into the challenges facing our students, teachers, and school staff. I have seen what is working, where improvements are needed, and how important it is to support educators while maintaining high expectations for student achievement.
My experience as a coach, referee, mentor, and more than 20-year volunteer with Special Olympics has reinforced the importance of teamwork, communication, inclusion, and helping every child reach their full potential. These experiences have taught me how to listen, solve problems, and make fair decisions while keeping the needs of students at the center.
I also bring experience as a
Advocating for adequate funding begins with being a responsible steward of the resources we already have. As a School Board member, I will work to ensure every taxpayer dollar is spent efficiently, transparently, and with a clear focus on improving student outcomes.
I will actively advocate for fair and adequate state funding that reflects Pasco County's continued growth and the increasing needs of our students. Our district should receive the resources necessary to attract and retain high-quality teachers, maintain safe and modern schools, expand career and technical education programs, and provide students with the academic support they need to succeed.
I also believe we should pursue every available funding opportunity, including competitive grants, business partnerships, and workforce development initiatives that can bring additional resources into our schools without placing unnecessary burdens on local taxpayers.
At the same time, I believe taxpayers deserve accountability. Before asking the community to contribute additional tax dollars, the district must demonstrate that it is managing its existing budget responsibly, reducing waste where possible, and prioritizing classroo
When funding is limited, the School Board's responsibility is to prioritize the needs that have the greatest impact on student success. Every budget decision should start with one question: Does this directly benefit our students, teachers, and learning environment?
My first priority would be protecting the classroom. That means ensuring we have qualified teachers in front of students, supporting competitive teacher and staff compensation, maintaining essential academic programs, and providing the resources educators need to help students succeed.
My second priority would be school safety and maintaining our facilities. Students and staff deserve safe, secure, and functional learning environments. Infrastructure decisions should be based on long-term planning, student needs, enrollment growth, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
My third priority would be expanding opportunities for students, including career and technical education, workforce pathways, STEM programs, financial literacy, and other programs that prepare students for success after graduation.
If funding continues to be limited, I believe we must carefully evaluate every program and expense. I would look first at
Teacher and staffing shortages are one of the most serious challenges facing our school district, because the quality of our schools begins with attracting and retaining great teachers and support staff. If we want the best educators serving our students, we must make sure they feel valued, respected, and supported.
First, we must focus on retaining the excellent teachers we already have. Recruitment is important, but keeping experienced educators should be a top priority. I would work to ensure teachers have the resources they need in the classroom, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, improve communication between district leadership and school employees, and make sure teachers have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them.
Second, we need to address competitive compensation and career support. While a school board must balance taxpayer responsibility with district needs, we must recognize that investing in quality educators is an investment in our students. I would support exploring ways to improve teacher pay, strengthen retention incentives, expand mentorship programs for new teachers, and create opportunities for professional growth so educators see a future in
Student safety, mental health, and support for students with special needs must be among the highest priorities of any school district. Every child deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, supported, respected, and capable of reaching their full potential.
For student safety, I would support a comprehensive approach that includes secure campuses, effective emergency response plans, regular safety training, strong communication between schools, families, and local law enforcement, and appropriate supervision throughout the school day. Safety is not just about responding to emergencies—it is also about prevention. Creating a positive school culture where students feel connected, respected, and comfortable reporting concerns is one of the best tools we have to prevent problems before they happen.
For student mental health, I would support expanding access to qualified counselors, mental health professionals, and early intervention programs. Students face many challenges today, and schools need resources to identify concerns early and connect students and families with appropriate support. I also believe in strengthening mentorship programs, encouraging positive relati
Transparency and community input are essential to building trust between the school district, families, educators, and taxpayers. As a school board member, I believe decisions affecting our students should not happen behind closed doors or without meaningful input from the people we serve.
First, I would support making sure school board meetings, agendas, financial information, policies, and important decisions are communicated clearly and in a timely manner. Families and community members should have access to the information they need to understand what is being considered and why decisions are being made.
Second, I would encourage more opportunities for meaningful community engagement. That includes listening sessions with parents, teachers, students, support staff, and community stakeholders—not just when major decisions are being made, but on an ongoing basis. The best decisions come from hearing directly from the people who are impacted.
Third, I would work to strengthen communication between the board, district leadership, and schools. Teachers and staff are on the front lines every day, and their experiences provide valuable insight that should be considered when developing
