Who I am

I am a native and lifelong Hoosier. I was raised with and strongly believe in Hoosier Hospitality. This Hoosier Hospitality extends to protecting the vulnerable, ensuring opportunities are available to all, and helping those in need. Part of Hoosier Hospitality is applying that hospitality to our neighbors, friends, and loved ones. This includes the neighbors and friends that are different than us, either in experience, background, or beliefs. I am raising a little Hoosier in the same manner.

Kindness and respect are vital to our household, and hard work earns its own rewards. My father was the first in his family to attend college, becoming a CPA. My mom was a school librarian spending her time helping children learn to read, reassuring them that if they can learn to read, then they can learn to do anything. A belief that has been passed on to her children and I work to pass on to my little one, with a lifelong love of reading. This has proven true to me many times over the years as a homeowner with do it yourself projects. Encouraging education, curiosity, learning, family, and service, wanting all of their children to find their own path, often our paths included military and public service. I found my path in public service, as a first responder, emergency manager, public health and hospital preparedness professional, and public program administrator. While I worked, I attended school furthering my education obtaining several degrees, including two masters level degrees.

Like many, growing up we had good and rough times. My parents welcomed everyone into our home, including six foster siblings. Our family ties are strong, we supported one another throughout our lives with various struggles. Witnessing and supporting the struggles of mental health, addiction, recovery, poverty, homelessness, domestic abuse, and more, has increased my empathy and efforts to aid others.

Both of my parents were active in the community and supported various causes, philanthropic groups, and volunteered. They modeled love, compassion, dedication, and acceptance, for all the people they knew during their nearly 58 years of marriage. I continue on this legacy as a volunteer ambassador at Gleaners, the President of Warren Township Democrat Club, Co-Chair of the Warren Township Committee, and on the leadership council for Indiana’s Chapter of the Progressive Democrats of America. as well as professionally as a public servant.

With a public servant’s heart, I continue to work toward improving my community. As Warren Township Trustee, I will bring this passion, knowledge, commitment, and service to the community.