My story

My children have been enrolled in Bloomington Public Schools since my youngest was six months old. We started together, me, Donavon and Mabel, in the evening Baby Beginnings Early Childhood Family Education class and over the years we’ve moved through loving classroom after loving classroom. Through each classroom, not only did my kids grow and flourish, but so have I. I would not be the same parent I am if I did not step foot into that very first ECFE class with my baby.

This district has given me and my family so much. From teaching me how to care for my baby to learning how to be the best mom for two kids with disabilities, the teachers at BPS changed our lives.  Without Early Childhood Special Education, my son wouldn’t be able to talk. My daughter never would have gotten the sensory tools she needs to excel in academics and create strong relationships with her peers. And for me, it was the early childhood education staff that relieved me of the guilt that I was somehow failing at parenting by giving me the tools to successfully parent my kids.

I know that this district hasn’t been that place for every family. I want to change that.

I’m running for school board to be a voice for parents of young children. The members of our current board either don’t have children or their children are teens or adults. Parents of young kids, many of us Millennials, are facing new challenges. Our kids started their school journey during the COVID years. Almost 60% of our early learners receive special education services. Many of our kids have experienced significant trauma in their short lives. And as parents, we are balancing using technology to open up new worlds and skills for our kids with making sure they are safe and engaged in their community.

I understand that a strong district builds trust and engagement with its families. As a school board member, I will make the time to listen and really hear what it is families need from our school family for their kids to succeed. In order for our district to stop cutting the budget and grow its offerings, we need to increase enrollment. People choose a district with thriving kids, invested families, and dedicated staff. I vow to champion and support policies and leadership for our district that promotes inclusion of all students and fosters a strong school community partnership. Our strength is in our collaboration.

A little more about the mom behind the chaos.

I’m originally from Long Island, New York and came to Minnesota after graduating from Oberlin College in 2006 to go to the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of MInnesota. I have since worked at a number of non-profits and one Fortune 500 company as a digital marketer, specializing in copywriting and content strategy.

In my spare time, I am a self-advocate both at the State Capitol and National Capitol focusing mainly in disability policy and education policy. I also am a parent leader in the district most prominently as the Chair of the Early Childhood Family Advisory Council. I have been a roller derby announcer for 15 years, and have had the honor of traveling throughout the world to announce at the highest level of the sport. I cross stitch, embroider, read less books than I buy, and am always ready for a game of Trivia Mafia. My favorite song is “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd and my favorite book is “House of Mirth” by Edith Wharton. I have an unhealthy love for The X-FIles that began in 1995. You can find me most evenings holding a sleeping child while scrolling TikToks about animal facts or Tudor history. I hope to someday sail the Drake Passage.

You can learn more about my community work on my Experience page.