I have lived in Rochester since 2000 with my husband Mark and our two sons, Gregory (Century Class of 2013)  and Jared (Century Class of 2019). I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, but have also lived in Texas, Iowa, and Indiana, before settling in Minnesota. I graduated from Loyola University Chicago and have a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago. I love spending time with my friends and family—especially talking about books, movies and shows; cooking together; and going to live music concerts. I am an avid sports fan, proudly cheering on the Purdue Boilermakers, Loyola Ramblers, and Minnesota United.

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For many years, I worked as a healthcare and public policy consultant in state and local agencies and legislatures across the US; in these roles, I developed policies, program evaluations, budgets, and litigation analysis. As one member of a team of lawyers and data experts, we won over $200 billion in a settlement between tobacco companies and state Attorneys General for the medical harms of smoking.

 

I was inspired to run for this position after many years of volunteering at my kids’ schools, serving on educational committees, and organizing community groups. I am passionate about providing a high-quality, world-class education for all Rochester students. I understand the power of learning in shaping lives and uplifting our community. I also advocate for the importance of having public leaders who are disciplined, fact-driven, and empathetic decision makers.

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I was honored to be elected to the Rochester Public School Board in 2018 and 2022. I was recognized for my school board service by the Minnesota School Boards Association, who named me to the All-State School Board in 2024.

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During my terms on the school board, I have served as:​

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• School Board Chair

• School Board Vice Chair

• Chair of the Policy Committee

• Member of the Executive Committee

• Member of the Community Engagement Committee

• Member of the Tri-Government Committee. 

• Member of the Policy Committee

• Member of the Community Curriculum and Instruction Advisory Committee (CCIAC)

• Member of the Parent/Family Involvement Committee

• Strategic Action Plan 2022-2025 Coherece Committee​

• Minnesota Kids Rise Steering Committee

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Outside of my board duties, I have taken leadership roles to serve Rochester residents and improve opportunities for all in our community. My education advocacy and volunteer community activities have included:

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Community

• Cradle to Career Leadership Table - Member and Co-Chair

• InSciEd Out Foundation - Board Member

• Breast Cancer Support Network - Board Member

• Pipsqueaks Indoor Playground - Founding Board Member

• Rochester Area Council PTSA

  • President

  • Families Power Student Success" Trainer

• Alliance for Strong Rochester Public Schools - Chair

• Minnesota PTA - Board Member, Advocacy Commissioner, and State Legislative Coordinator

• Minnesota PTA STEM + Families - Leader

• Church Communities - Outreach, Faith Formation, and Lector​

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Rochester Public Schools

• Century PTSA; - President/Communications Committee Chair

• Century STEM Society - Advisor

• Century High School Honor Society - Advisor

• Lincoln K-8 - Community Relations Chair

• Strategic Planning Action Team (2013)

• Gifted Services Committee - Facilitator

• Community Focus Team - Member

• Community Curriculum and Instruction Advisory Committee - Member

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Minnesota Department of Education

• Every Student Succeeds Act State Plan Workgroup; Member

• Report Card/Data Reporting Workgroup​; Member