Kansas has always been my home.

From an early age, I learned the value of hard work and resilience. My family moved throughout Kansas during my childhood as my father worked as a union truck driver, an over-the-road career that exemplified the strong Midwest work ethic he passed on to me. My mother, an educator, nurtured my love of learning and fueled my commitment to public education.

We eventually settled in Salina, where I graduated from high school before attending Fort Hays State University. There, I earned a B.A. in Sociology, an M.S. in Counseling, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. I recently retired after a 30-year career as a school counselor, serving students at Cedar Creek Elementary, Woodland Elementary, Manchester Park Elementary, and Mission Trail Middle School. I also worked as a counselor at Johnson County Community College, served as an adjunct professor at Fort Hays State University, and practiced as a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice.

Johnson County has been home to my family since 1992. We spent our first decade in the Gardner–Edgerton area before settling in Olathe, and we are proud to call House District 14 our community. This district is an exceptional place to live and raise a family, with outstanding public schools, hospitals, parks, and essential services that continue to draw people from all walks of life.

My neighbors asked me to run for the House District 14. I too often hear that many throughout our community are deeply concerned that the Legislature continues to shortchange our children by withholding needed funding from public schools. Education shapes futures, and our students deserve nothing less than full and fair support.

I am also committed to ensuring that all Kansans have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, including mental health services. Time and again, politicians in Topeka have inserted themselves into private medical decisions that should remain between patients and their doctors. That must change.

I am not afraid of hard work. I am dedicated to listening, learning, and working collaboratively to find pragmatic solutions to the very real challenges facing everyday Kansans. With your support, I will bring the values of integrity, service, and common sense to the Statehouse on behalf of House District 14.