| I grew up in a Navy family. My dad served our country for 30 years and retired as a Rear Admiral. My family moved regularly throughout my childhood exposing me to the beautiful diversity that gives such strength to our country. I have carried this experience into a life of service to others. I know that respect for others, integrity in your word and compassion are essential values worth amplifying and sharing.
After attending the University of Florida where I earned a Bachelor's in Agriculture and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine I practiced veterinary medicine for more than 33 years. I ran my own successful small business in Boulder County serving the community with excellence in veterinary care over 16 years. I am a problem solver at heart with a deep desire to help others.
I was honored to be a volunteer English language teacher for the immigrant community through Intercambio in Longmont for 3 years. This experience demostrated in tangible terms the incredible value of growing our country's strength through solid immigration policies.
As a board member of two non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting animal health and welfare worldwide, I worked to improve the lives of all animals, including pets, wildlife, endangered species and working animals. I served as a communications coach, training veterinary students at Colorado's premier veterinary teaching hospital at CSU.
I have volunteered with Citizen's Climate Lobby, an advocacy group working toward legislation at the national level to address the effects of climate change on our planet. This national bipartisan organization is a great example of how we can bridge the political divide and work toward solutions that benefit us all.
I joined Rotary, and in so doing found even more ways to better our communities and our planet. And I strive to live the Rotary motto - "Service over self"
I have been married to my husband Gregg, a native Coloradan, for 34 years. We have lived in Longmont for 30 years where we raised our three children who are now adults. We have twin daughters and our eldest kid is non-binary. We family also have a very large Golden Retriever, Pippin, who shows up at the Capitol regularly to give out dog therapy and kisses. And being outdoors in Colorado is one of my favorite pastimes.
I am so passionate about our state and want to continue to work for policies that help Colorado families.
In 2018, I ran a robust campaign for Congress in Colorado's 4th congressional district. The results showed that my campaign encouraged many across the 22 counties of the District to re-engage and let their voices be heard by participating in our democracy and voting. I won our county in that race by over 65% and helped build Democratic momentum in an often-overlooked part of the state helping to propel Governor Jared Polis, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Attorney General Phil Weiser and State Treasurer Dave Young to victory. Democracy works best when more people participate!
With the opportunity to continue to advocate for families, health care, education, LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, economic opportunity, the future of our planet and more - I am honored to be State Representative for Colorado's House District 11 covering Longmont and I am running for re-election in November 2024. I would love your support! |