Over the years, as a parent and paraprofessional in the district, I have attended board of education meetings, engaged with the board and the superintendent on various issues and concerns, and participated on the DAC. I was encouraged by respected community members to consider running for a position. I realized that to make a difference, I must be willing to serve. When the board and the superintendent understand their roles and responsibilities and work together to execute the vision they have set for the district, the district will be healthy and successful. I want to hold the superintendent and board to a high standard and help set policies that will benefit the students in our district in a way that increases transparency and builds trust.

I have a background in education, with a B.A. in Modern Languages from Wheaton, IL, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Boston University. I was privileged to teach in various schools and, more recently, work for two years as a paraprofessional at HPS. These experiences have given me valuable insights into the perspectives of both staff and teachers. One of my key strengths is my ability to listen and collaborate effectively. My time on the DAC has helped me to further develop these skills, allowing me to voice concerns and approach complex issues with logic and reason. I will bring this same spirit of collaboration and intellectual curiosity to the board of education, ensuring that I understand the big picture and the concerns of the stakeholders.

The board hires and evaluates the superintendent, sets policy, and ensures the quality of education in Hudsonville Public Schools is excellent. I am deeply interested in seeing the focus remain on the high quality of education rather than other issues we often see being pushed front and center. I am also committed to working collaboratively on the board, remembering that the community elects board members to represent their voice.

While enthusiastically voting in elections for local government, I have not engaged in other forms of involvement until now. I have served on the Diversity and Advocacy Committee (DAC) for 2 ½ years. I was selected to represent the voices of parents and community members who do not support Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI). I see it bringing increased division, and I believe the district should address issues individually rather than using a “one size fits all” approach. Through my attendance at board meetings, I have gained insights into how the board conducts business. I would be honored to be elected as a board member and serve the community in this capacity.

As a parent, I take a special interest in my children's education. I have been a class parent, paraprofessional, and substitute at the elementary level. I also served as a middle school Science Olympiad coach for two years and have been on the DAC for 2 ½ years. I actively participate in the sports events that my boys are involved in. Additionally, I am an active member of our church, where I write curriculum, teach elementary-aged students, work with youth, and help with the financial needs of others as a member of the Compassionate Care committee.