About Me

My husband Paul and I are raising our three children in East Grand Rapids - Caroline, a high school sophomore; Owen, an eighth grader; and Charlie, a fifth grader at Lakeside. All of our kids participate in athletics and clubs, taking advantage of the diverse scholastic and athletic programs in EGRPS. Paul and I enjoy cheering on our kids, spending time with friends and exploring all four seasons in  northern Michigan.   

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. A graduate of Western Michigan University, I taught elementary and middle school for seven years in Chicago Public Schools. After earning an M.Ed in school counseling from DePaul University, I worked for the Academy for Urban School Leadership coaching teachers and supporting transformative change in neighborhood schools. For the last 10 years I have worked as a teacher educator at Grand Valley State University and Western Michigan University. As a faculty member of WMU’s College of Education and Human Development, my work focuses on teacher preparation. 

I have a deep understanding that strong communities and strong schools go hand in hand, and that the best way to ensure that strength is to be involved. I serve as co-chair of the EGR Hearts of Gold committee and am a Past President and sustainer of the Junior League of Grand Rapids. I've served on the EGR Waves Board, the Hurrah planning committee and the Lakeside PTO. I also enjoy volunteering in the schools and with my kids' teams and clubs.