I’ve always believed that strong schools and strong communities open the door to opportunity. That belief has guided my work - from helping rebuild democratic institutions overseas to strengthening public education here in West Michigan.

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After graduating from Cornell University, I spent several years working abroad and in Washington, D.C., helping communities build stable governments and healthy economies. I later earned my Ph.D. in Government from Georgetown University, where I focused on how responsive, transparent leadership and empowered citizens can work together to strengthen democracy.

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In 2010, my husband, Joel, and I moved back to Michigan to raise our three kids. We have two daughters now in college and a son finishing his senior year of high school. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to serving our community. I've worked as a substitute teacher in our public schools, served as an Odyssey of the Mind coach for over a decade, and in 2020 was elected to the Forest Hills Board of Education where I have served as president for the last three years. On the school board I’ve defended our schools from political attacks, led our district through a change in leadership, successfully passed bonds to keep our infrastructure strong, all while keeping our focus on doing what’s right for kids.

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I’m running for State House because I believe in steady, solutions-focused leadership that puts people first. When we invest in education, support families, and strengthen our local communities, we build a stronger Michigan for everyone.