I did not set out to become an educator, but as I began to search for a school for my daughter 29 years ago, I discovered there were a number of areas in the educational system that needed improvement. Instead of sitting back and complaining, I decided to do something about it. Simply put, I changed my career, went back to school to secure the credentials I needed to obtain my teaching license so I could be the "difference that make the difference" through advocacy.

Today, utilizing the skills I have garnered during my 28 year career as an educator, I serve as a mentor to teachers who are in their first three years of teaching. In that role, I focus on enhancing their performance and supporting their professional growth. I do so by working alongside them to ensure they adopt best practices. My goal is to increase their reflective self-directed learning through coaching, as well as collaborating, consulting, and engaging with members of the school's administration to adopt strategies to support each teacher. Prior to joining the legislature, I represented the interest of students and parents, and educators on a policy level by serving as a member of the Inver Grove Heights School Board.

I decided to run for House in 2022 after spending countless hours listening to parents and students. I recognized that there was a greater need for my advocacy to help address the kitchen table issues we all face, to address the issues faced by those with disabilities, to support economic opportunity initiatives that will strengthen small businesses and unions, to ensure safe communities, and to meet our pressing environmental challenges. Having been a resident of Dakota County for more than 30 years, I am keenly aware of the issues that my neighbors in District 53A face day in and day out. You can always count of me to fight for you as your Minnesota State Representative.