During high school and college, I worked at the local chamber of commerce, where I loved giving advice to tourists and promoting our local businesses. These experiences were formative and instilled in me a strong sense of community pride.

I worked my way through college and graduate school with a combination of scholarships, loans, and part-time jobs. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Theology from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN. My academic journey continued with a Master’s in School Psychology from Syracuse University and culminated in a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University in Moorhead.

For over 25 years, I have dedicated my career to creating positive learning environments for students from diverse backgrounds. I’ve had the privilege of teaching Psychology at Anoka Ramsey Community College since 2005, where I’ve also served as department chairperson and faculty development chairperson. I’m proud to be a member of the Minnesota State College Faculty Union, where I previously served two terms as the president of my local chapter.

Beyond teaching, I am a certified yoga and meditation instructor. I also proudly volunteer for important causes such as gun violence prevention and increasing civic engagement. I live in Maple Grove with my husband of 23 years, my mother, and our rescue dog, Joe. My son, who is studying aviation at the University of North Dakota, brings us immense pride.

I’m an avid traveler who loves exploring new cultures and learning from diverse perspectives, but there’s nothing quite like returning home to the beautiful landscapes of Minnesota.

I look forward to connecting with you on the campaign trail soon!