Campaign Phone
614-315-6676
Occupation
Advisor, OhioHealth Provider and Associate Well-Being
Education
Master of Healthcare Administration, Franklin University; Bachelor of Science in Communications, Ohio University
Qualifications for Office
First term on the Gahanna-Jefferson School Board, serving in my second year as President. 30 years of professional leadership in communications, mental health & well-being, suicide prevention and relationship management. Community volunteer: Gahanna GLOW gving circle, Gahanna Juneteenth Planning Committee, Gahanna Pride Planning Committee.
A critical issue for GJPS is decreased state funding for public education and its impact on students, staff, and taxpayers. That’s why I testified before the Ohio House Education Committee on fair school funding and taxpayer relief, and why our Board partnered with administration to hold community education sessions. We will continue to advocate for the vital role that public education plays in shaping futures, strengthening communities, and opening doors for every student. Another priority is ensuring our schools remain inclusive, supportive spaces where every student feels valued. By staying mission-focused, engaging openly, and leading with transparency, we can continue building a district where every student and staff member thrives.
I’m seeking another term on the Gahanna-Jefferson School Board to finish the important work we’ve started, which is already making a difference. Graduation rates improved during my first term, and I will continue to increase them while also addressing attendance challenges. Our vision is to be a top 5% performing district by 2030, guided by a strategic plan. Priorities like the new high school transition, preschool expansion, middle school additions, strategic plan implementation, and expanded college and career pathways are being achieved at no additional cost to the district. I will continue to advocate for fair school funding while ensuring that students and educators feel safe, supported, and valued.
The role of a Board of Education is one of policy and governance: setting clear policies, hiring and evaluating the superintendent and treasurer, and monitoring the district’s academic, financial, and operational progress. An effective board provides vision, accountability, engagement, advocacy, and strong relationships. In my first term, I completed extensive board training, served as Board President for two years, helped shape our strategic plan, and represented Gahanna-Jefferson on the Ohio School Boards Association Central Region Executive Committee. With 30 years of experience in leadership, communications, mental health, and relationship building, I bring the skills and steady leadership necessary to keep our district moving forward.
In my first term, we expanded community engagement through quarterly coffees and conversations, community meetings such as the State of the Schools and Fair School Funding sessions, a community survey on communications, and public Board Workshops that provided in-depth discussions on district projects. I also met with residents individually and was accessible in schools and at community events to hear concerns and ideas directly. Looking ahead, the strategic plan calls for more opportunities for community feedback and focus groups on workforce development, ensuring all voices are represented in decision-making.
Building consensus starts with authentic listening, seeking to understand, open discussion, and clear communication of the ‘why’ behind decisions. I value collaboration, compromise, and transparency in resolving disagreements and maintaining a focus on what is best for students. In my first term, I modeled this through community coffees and meetings, personal outreach, board workshops, and public board discussions, which created space for meaningful dialogue and fostered stronger community trust.
Campaign Phone
614-383-8021
Occupation
Special Education Teachers
Education
BA in Education, Master's in Library & Information Science, and a Master's in Educational Leadership
Qualifications for Office
I am a public school teacher, a mother of three children in Gahanna-Jefferson school district, and a servant leader.
As a public school teacher and a parent, I believe that updating and maintaining the district's school buildings and facilities are important. As a board member, I have worked diligently to oversee the opening of the new GLHS and the additions that will be made to MSS, MSW, and the Preschool. These changes will help us better serve our students' educational needs.
School funding is also a significant challenge. In the state funding model, only 20% of Gahanna's revenue comes from the government. Because of this, I have advocated for legislation changes and spoken at community events, educating people on the negative effects this has on public education. More importantly, I have worked hard to ensure every dollar is spent on students.
My primary focus is on academics and overall student well-being. We must educate, equip, and empower our students so they are prepared for the classroom and life after school. Currently, Gahanna has a strategic vision for the district that is focused on these elements. As a current board member, I collaborate with the treasurer and other board members to ensure that our expenses align with our vision to provide students with academic rigor, career and college readiness tools, and the mental health services necessary for achievement and personal growth.
In August, I began my 21st year as a public school teacher. I have been privileged to work with preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students throughout my career. During that time, I have held the roles of an English Teacher, Librarian, EL Co-Teacher, and Intervention Specialist. I am also a current parent of an elementary, middle, and high school student in the Gahanna district. This unique perspective as an educator and a parent allows me to collaborate with the other board members to oversee the duties of the superintendent and treasurer. Currently, we have a tremendous leadership team that cares deeply for our students, staff, and community. I would be honored to continue in this role and serve the Gahanna community.
As a current board member, it is my job to communicate openly and honestly with the community and to help them bring to life the strategic vision of the district. Currently, we hold monthly board, finances & facilities, and workshop meetings that the public is welcome and encouraged to attend. During our monthly board meetings, we provide time for public participation so that community members can have their voices heard. We also offer “Coffee and Conversations” where board members and district leadership hold public meetings to share what is happening in the district and listen to concerns community members share. I will also continue to work hard to attend school and community events to engage with the community and listen to their voices
I believe that honest and open communication is the key to success. With a large, diverse district, there will be disagreements, but there must also be space provided for people's voices to be heard. By actively engaging in the community and attending meetings & events, I can hear from a variety of community members and gain consensus on the needs of our students, staff, and community. To resolve conflicts, I believe it is important to gather information from all sources and work with the administration to find a solution that fits the needs of the district. It is difficult to find a solution that makes everyone happy, but first, we must make sure that all people are heard and all information is presented.
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Occupation
Optical care coordinator for 8 yrs in private practice. Sole proprietor 15 yrs. In jewelry. 20 yrs in elections/public service, including voting manager, absentee & provisional dept.
Education
First in family to attend college. BA in Humanities, full athletic scholarship. Trade school grad with 3 jewelry certificates. Nonprofit, leadership, and athletic honors.
Qualifications for Office
Proven leader with nonprofit, athletic, and public service achievements. OSBA awardee, state task force member. Diplomatic, ethical, effective communicator, lifelong learner. Parent of GJPS grad, resident since 2006, focused on fiscal responsibility, teamwork, and student-centered decision-making.
Two major challenges are ensuring all students have access to properly funded, high-quality education and preparing them for future careers. I’m proud of my work with Eastland-Fairfield Career Tech, expanding programs that connect students to apprenticeships and well-matched employment opportunities. As a trade school graduate, I know the value of these pathways. I’m also committed to safe, welcoming schools that support every child regardless of background. My own life experience makes me keenly aware of how critical safety and belonging are to a student’s success and well-being, and I will continue working to strengthen both.
My priorities are to build on our success in student achievement and well-being, raise the graduation rate (currently 94%), and expand opportunities beyond traditional college pathways. A top priority is student and staff safety, which includes supporting physical, mental, and emotional health. I will continue active participation in monthly finance meetings to ensure accountability. These priorities will be financed through the district’s budget, focusing on appropriate hiring, building upgrades, and developing strong workforce partnerships.
I am running for re-election, proud of my role in managing within our budget, strong contracts for educators and school employees, hiring and evaluating superintendent and treasurer, upgrades to all buildings plus seeing the new high school to completion on budget, serving on several committees such as the Coalition for Advocacy for Fair School Funding and board of the Eastland-Fairfield Career Trade and Technical Schools. I have also appreciated the opportunity to work with students and families directly to find resources in the district for their specific needs and concerns.
I stay present and accessible at community gatherings, school events, on social media, and through our website to engage families, staff & stakeholders. I host public meetings, listen carefully, seek input, and ask questions to ensure community voices are represented. I also work closely with our communications team and participate in outreach and surveys. When concerns arise, I connect people with the appropriate administrator and follow up. I am transparent about processes, open to different perspectives, and clear in explaining my decisions.
My approach to resolving disagreements is to listen first, hear different perspectives, ask clarifying questions, and acknowledge concerns while affirming our shared mission of strong education and safe, welcoming schools. I maintain clear boundaries for open dialogue and encourage discussion to find common ground. Sometimes consensus comes through ongoing conversation, but even when full agreement takes time, respectful engagement helps build trust and often leads to creative solutions that strengthen our schools and community.
