I have been blessed to be married to my wonderful husband, Darin, for 20 years.  We have three children: a senior and a freshman at Walled Lake Northern and a third grader at Glengary. I believe that serving others is part of life and we should give back to our community in ways we are able.  With my family's support, I have chosen to run for election as a Trustee on the Walled Lake Schools Board of Education. I want to be a strong advocate for our students and staff, increase transparency to the public, and uphold our district to high standards to ensure a quality education for all students.

I grew up attending Walled Lake Schools – Oakley Park, Keith, Clifford Smart, and Walled Lake Central – and my children will be the third generation in my family to graduate from the district.  My husband and I chose to raise our family here because we held in high regard the education I received here as a child and wanted that for our children as well.

Platform

Advocacy - I believe that every person needs an advocate in their corner from time to time. Advocating isn’t just being their voice, but listening to their needs first so that you may be their voice. 

Education - I believe that children’s first teachers are their parents. Good communication between parents and educators is important to student growth.

Literacy - I believe building strong readers provides a firm foundation for the rest of children’s educational career. I believe our district can do better in this area and I would like to see our phonics and reading programs updated.

Parental Rights - I believe that each family has their own set of values and that schools need to respect not intercede into those values. Parents know their own children best and what their needs are. Schools and parents should work together with respect to guide students through their education.

I also believe that there should be opportunities for parents to volunteer in the schools. For many, this piece has been missing for the last several years, and I would like to see all of our schools welcome parent volunteers with open arms.

Safety and Security - I believe in order for our students to be prepared to learn, they must feel safe.  As a district, we need to make sure that we utilize a variety of means to secure our schools.

Transparency - I believe that the public should be aware of issues within the district and how they are being addressed.  Much of the work for board meetings is prepared in advance behind the scenes, and, while I appreciate that some board members have tried to improve transparency, I think all board members should operate transparently. If elected, I am committed to being transparent and forthcoming with my process and my votes.

Trust - I believe the public should be able to trust its elected board members. Trust is something that is earned, and, once lost, is often very hard to win back. As a board member, I will do everything I can to earn and to keep the public's trust.

I am committed to serving with integrity and trust and to providing the accountability that our district needs now and into the future.

Experience

-10+ years teaching experience
-Bachelor of Science with a focus on Elementary Education, Eastern Michigan University
-Organized Disability Awareness Week at Glengary Elementary
-Walled Lake Northern Band Parent Representative
-Former Girl Scout Troop Leader and Cookie Mom
-Former teacher and Leader’s Council member at Community Bible Study
-Former coordinator of Vacation Bible School at St. Patrick’s Parish