VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am running for School Board because I believe a strong, high-quality education system is the foundation of a thriving community. Our schools shape the future of our children, fuel economic growth, and build a stronger, more connected county. I am passionate about making a difference by ensuring every child has access to the best education possible, led by dedicated and highly qualified teachers and administrators. Great schools start with great teachers, and we must support them with competitive salaries, professional development, and a work environment that values their expertise. I will advocate for policies that put students first, empower educators, and ensure our schools continue to be a source of pride for our community.

I have over 25 years as a Program Manager, leading cross-functional teams, balancing complex budgets, solving difficult problems, & driving results. In that world, success depends on collaboration, communication, and accountability, skills I will bring directly to the school board. What also sets me apart is my involvement in this community. I’m not just showing up now that there’s an election, I’ve been here, engaged, & listening. As a parent, & active member of the Citizen’s Finance Advisory Committee, FCPS 101 graduate, Scout leader, volunteer as Soccer coach & baseball volunteer I’ve heard your concerns about our schools, teacher support, & the pressures our kids face. I will be a voice for parents and ensure transparency in decisions

I was born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, and come from a family of public educators. Growing up, my family modeled for me the significance of serving your community and caring for others.

I am running for School Board to serve my community and ensure the best educational experience for all students and their families, as well as the best work environment for high-quality teachers, aides, administrators and other school staff.

I am committed to hearing the voice of all constituents and working collaboratively with families and school staff to celebrate success and make needed improvements.

I have worked in Business Operations at Valley Health for nearly 4 years. I have proven the ability to prioritize a healthy work culture, high quality patient outcomes, and engaged employees. Prior to my employment with Valley Health, I worked with youth ages 6-22 in Behavioral Health for 10 years. During this time I traveled country training and consulting with school systems and other organizations delivering trauma informed care and minimizing restraint use.

In total, I have 10 years of leadership experience. I have demonstrated success in building teams and leading people, prioritizing development. I bring a diverse skill set and relevant work experience that have prepared me to serve on the School Board.

I worked with many high school age kids in my job in the grocery industry. I began to see where the simple things like counting back change created problems. When in conversations with these young people, I also began to notice the diminishing requirements for the standard of knowledge, and this is what spurred me into attending meetings. I ran in 2017 against the incumbent, got 44% of the vote, but was not successful. COVID had the grocery industry in full swing in 2021, and I did not have the energy to run. This time around, opportunities still exist and after prayerful consideration, feel led to run again with my husband's support, hoping to get elected. We must stand in the Arena for these kids who are our future.

I bring a lifetime of work experience from the private sector, first in the horse industry, then in the retail sector. I have the unique position among the candidates of being educated in schools both before and after the Department of Education was created, having just turned 65. I feel these common sense approaches to the challenges of changing job opportunities presented by the advent of AI, and the exploding ravages of student debt, allow me to bring perspectives that may be helpful in guiding the system into the future.