| I'm proud to have grown up in the heart of Colorado, with deep ties to our community that go back generations. Raised by a family of educators and public servants-my grandmother, a dedicated fourth-grade teacher, and my grandfather, the long-standing fire chief-shaped my early understanding of community involvement and public responsibility.
I attended Thompson Valley High School in Loveland, where I was a member of the National Honors Society and served as captain of three varsity sports teams. This leadership experience at a young age helped me understand the importance of teamwork, discipline, and setting a positive example for others.
From standing up for girls' inclusion in childhood sports to advocating for children's rights as a guardian ad litem, my commitment to fairness and justice started early.
For over eight years, I served as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children in difficult family law cases. When children are removed from parental care due to neglect and abuse, I become their legal advocate, ensuring that they are heard, seen, and have input into their safety and their future.
This work opened my eyes to the challenges facing Colorado's most vulnerable residents. I saw firsthand how a child's circumstances can shape their entire future, and I knew I needed to do more to break down the barriers holding too many Coloradans back. That's why I ran for the State House in 2020.
Since being elected to the State House in 2020, I've worked tirelessly to pass legislation that improves the lives of all Coloradans. I've sponsored dozens of bills focused on crucial issues like protecting Colorado's youth, improving public safety, supporting local businesses, enhancing workers' rights, and making our justice system more equitable.
Some of my most notable accomplishments include establishing the Foster Youth in Transition Program (HB21-1094) to support youth who age out of the foster care system, and shifting Colorado's legal representation model for youth in the child welfare system from guardian ad litem to client-directed counsel (HB22-1038).
I'm also proud to have voted for transformative legislation like the Reproductive Health Equity Act (HB22-1279), which codified the right to abortion in Colorado law, and HB21-1299, which established the Office of Gun Violence Prevention to coordinate efforts and promote effective strategies to reduce gun violence throughout the state.
For the past two years, I've had the honor of serving as Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, where I've led the charge to pass bold legislation that expands access to quality, affordable healthcare. I'm proud of the work we've done to lower prescription drug costs, increase funding for mental health resources in schools, protect reproductive rights, and improve maternal health outcomes, especially for women of color.
In June 2023, my husband Alex and I welcomed our first child, our son Theo. Becoming a mother has been the most transformative experience of my life, and it has given me a profound new understanding of the challenges facing Colorado families.
As I navigated the joys and struggles of parenthood while continuing to serve in the legislature, I gained firsthand insight into the critical importance of issues like paid family leave, child care affordability, and maternal health support. Experiencing life as a working mother has only deepened my commitment to fighting for policies that support working families.
I know that when we invest in our children and those who care for them, we're investing in a brighter future for all of Colorado. |