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Personal Biography
I was born in Topeka, but my family moved to the small, rural town of Lyndon when I was two. My sister and I attended school there K-12 and credit our parents with instilling curiosity and a love for learning. I started my college experience in Emporia, but transferred to Washburn for my third year so I could take a job and begin my non-traditional student journey. I always knew education was my ticket to finding my path and opening doors of opportunity. It was just the beginning.
Campaign Phone
(785) 640-8614
Education
BS Mass Media, Washburn University, 1999;
MS Management, Baker University, 2002
Kansas Public Health Leadership Institute, 2012
Leadership Greater Topeka, 2020
Community/Public Service
Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas, Board member 2019 to present;
Washburn Women’s Alliance, Board member May 2019 to present (Development Chair 2019-2021, Incoming President August 2021);
ABWA Career Chapter, Member 2010 to present (Education Chair 2019 to present);
Kansas Maternal Child Health Coalition member;
Child Passenger Safety Technician and Instructor, 2002 to present;
KTWU Public Television Production Crew volunteer, 1998 to present
I am the parent of a Sophomore at the high school. We moved to the district just in time for Kindergarten enrollment for our daughter 10 years ago. I became involved in the Logan PTO and Site Council and was then asked to serve as a parent representative on the District Wellness and Technology committees. I was then asked to consider applying for an open position on the school board in late 2016. I served one year as an appointee before being elected to a four-year term. I have learned a tremendous amount about the complexities of public education, and hope to continue to use and further develop that understanding to benefit and support our students toward successful futures.
We need to foster safe environments, supporting a school culture of acceptance and inclusion for all students. Social-emotional learning is part of that effort to develop human skills that are both positive for the individual and development of the interpersonal skills our students will need to be successful in the workplace. We need to talk about and de-stigmatize perceptions surrounding mental health and ensure supports are available for our students and our staff.
The district needs to support and encourage civic engagement of our students. Students who are civically engaged learn interpersonal skills, empathy, collaboration and also build networks. They gain perspective into how they fit into the world and the positive impact they can make. I am proud that one of our Elementary Schools (North Fairview) was honored this spring with the Civic Advocacy Network (CAN) award. Our high school was one of 10 Kansas schools to be named a School of Excellence by CAN in 2019. I support the commitment our district had made to prioritize civic engagement of our students as a pillar of their success.
Our district provides one-to-one technology for our middle and high school students. Last year during remote learning, we were able to expand the program to include elementary students. Providing technology gives all students the same, consistent tools they need for research, completing assignments and communicating with teachers and classmates working together on collaborative projects. It bridges the economic divide of families. It also means our IT department can effectively address issues/needs. As we move into the new school year and evolving environment regarding remote learning, we will need to take lessons learned from last year and work towards filling those gaps.
I always try to be open to other perspectives. It’s important to listen with an intent to better understand diverse views. Ultimately, my priority always comes back to our district’s mission: to prepare each student for lifelong success through strong and healthy relationships, rigorous and relevant learning, and a responsive and caring culture that maximizes student talents, aspirations and community contributions.
e.thePeople
e.thePeople