Asking for Your Vote!
As the parent of three Chisago Lakes students, I care deeply about strong community schools.
Twice, I have stepped up to fill vacant school board seats during times of upheaval. First, in the summer of 2021 when I applied and was chosen based on my qualifications. Then again last spring when, as the next highest vote-getter in the 2022 election, I was offered the role. I’m honored to serve and to bring a variety of skills and experience to the board table:
lived experience caring for and worrying over my own three CL students;
as an active parent in the district, volunteering and supporting our students in the classroom, in the Taylors Falls PTO, and leading a kindness club for kids;
a bachelor’s degree in economics from Concordia College and a master’s degree in public policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, which gave me a love of spreadsheets and cost-benefit analysis;
a lifetime spent in the nonprofit world, where we stay focused on our mission and carefully manage tight budgets.
My commitment to kids threads through everything I do.
Looking back on what I’ve learned, in my first two years on the school board, I can honestly say:
I appreciate the challenges facing public schools.
Let’s be honest: students and educators have navigated rocky waters in recent years. I'm heartened by the many amazing people giving their time and talents throughout the district, especially as they work to help students regain skills and learning levels that were interrupted. Chisago Lakes has set the state standard for training our educators in cutting-edge, phonics-based literacy techniques, and we are rebounding from pandemic-related learning loss much faster than districts with similar budgets and populations. Excellent work is happening at every level in all of our buildings, and we’re poised for notable improvements in the coming years. Recognizing the work that’s been done is essential as we look toward raising the bar for new milestones in educational excellence.
I believe communication is crucial to school board leadership.
By fostering understanding between parents and educators, teachers and administrators, students and the adults who care about their future, I believe we can create a more exceptional learning environment, workplace, and community for all of us.
I approach each problem with curiosity, accountability, and respect for our kids, families, educators, and mission.
This is a complex district. I'm humbled by how much I've learned — and how much I still have to learn — about the needs of our students and their families, the hopes and concerns of our staff, and the nuances of school finance. I will continue to ask questions, do my research, and seek multiple perspectives as critical decisions arise.
“I ask for your vote, not just for me, but for our children who deserve an outstanding education, for the families who have chosen to raise their kids in our community, and for the bright future we can build together. ”
Endorsed by Our Teachers
I am honored to receive the support of our Chisago Lakes teachers, and I will keep working hard to earn yours.
FAQs
How are you connected to Chisago Lakes Schools?
My involvement in our schools has looked different every year, as my kids have grown and work obligations have evolved, but my commitment to supporting our schools has always remained a high priority. With a middle schooler, a high schooler, and a recent graduate, I’m passionate about enhancing high-quality learning opportunities for all kids in our community.
My husband and I moved our family of five to the Chisago Lakes area nearly ten years ago in part because of its reputation for strong schools and a thriving, small-town community. I grew up on a farm in rural South Dakota where the local school played a powerful role in connecting the community, and this area quickly felt like home. As a parent and as a professional in the field of family education, supporting our schools became a natural priority.
What calls you to serve on the Chisago Lakes School Board?
I’m already following the complex issues surrounding education as I raise my own three kids. And I enjoy “in the weeds” conversations aimed at pragmatic problem-solving. But I’ll be honest, I’m an introvert, not a natural campaigner. When the vacant position opened up in 2021, and friends began encouraging me to apply, the work — aside from campaigning — seemed like a natural fit. Once appointed, I found that my passion for strong schools and empowered kids uniquely suited me for the role. I’d be happy to continue leading with commitment and accountability if this community supports my re-election.
What skills and expertise do you bring to the table?
I have a master’s degree in public policy from the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. For fifteen years I have worked as a parent educator and content creator for a Minnesota-based nonprofit called Doing Good Together. Here are a few examples of my work.
Take a look at this youth philanthropy curriculum I created for Harvard’s Making Caring Common Center.
Explore this overview of a presentation I shared with Global Peace Women, affirming that parents everywhere share many of the same values and goals for their children.
Check out this podcast interview: Leading Toward a Compassionate Community
Browse some of my most popular articles, like Raise Kindness! and 9 Daily Habits to Help Raise Kind Kids.
What is your agenda?
I’m not here with a single issue to push or an agenda to argue. In fact, I feel strongly that partisan politics and national discord have no place in our local schools. I’m committed to the belief that effective schools and strong communities go hand in hand, and we deserve public servants who stay focused on local needs and opportunities.
I’m here to build understanding, bridge the gap between different community stakeholders, and support our professionals as they help all kids thrive.
As the parent of three kids, I have always followed issues in education closely. When a board seat opened up in the summer of 2021, I submitted my qualifications, urged on by other parents I’ve worked with in the community. This felt like the right next move in my effort to support our schools: if I was going to be thinking, learning, and worrying about the future of our schools anyway, I may as well serve our community while doing so.
Where are you from?
I grew up in a small town in South Dakota, one of the most poorly-funded schools in the country. Shortly after my senior year, our school closed. Though the town still exists, its sense of community was shattered, as students chose from among several consolidated schools to attend and young families moved away. This experience taught me a great deal. I can see clearly that strong public schools have the potential to bring together a community, instill a feeling of unity, and inspire people from diverse backgrounds, income levels, religions, and political beliefs to share a common sense of pride, purpose, and hope.
That's one of the reasons we settled near Taylors Falls a decade ago. When we found our way to Chisago, the sense of community, tradition, and civic pride was vivid. I’m so thankful we landed in this district, and I’m proud to do my part to make a difference in whatever way I can.