I was born at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul in 1963, four days after President Kennedy was assassinated. I’ve lived in Minnesota my whole life except for 10 years when my father’s job moved us to Texas, Kansas, and Colorado. We came back to Minnesota in 1975, and settled in New Brighton. I graduated from Irondale High School in 1982, and I have lived in the area ever since. I currently live in Spring Lake Park, where I have been for the past 30 years.
I have been an active member of my community. I volunteer coached youth for 40 years in basketball, t-ball, softball, baseball, soccer. I’m an active member at New Brighton Christian Church since 1976, and I was a youth leader and teacher for over 30 years.
I have two awesome biological sons (SLPHS ’07 & ’08), a great adopted son, two fantastic daughter-in-laws, and four wonderful grandchildren. I enjoy every moment I get to spend with all of them.
I graduated from Bethel University in 1986. My degree is in education; teaching and coaching. I have taught and coached in several local school districts over the past 36 years (Mounds View, Spring Lake Park, Anoka-Hennepin, Columbia Heights). I also taught at Pines School in Lino Lakes, working with students in the Anoka County Juvenile Corrections facility.
In 2013, I founded Life Prep Academy, a school and dorm for homeless teens. I served as the director and a teacher there for eight years.
I was elected to the Minnesota State Senate in 2010 and served one term in 2011 and 2012. I served on the Senate Education Committee, the Senate Transportation Committee, and the Local Government and Elections Committee.
I am seeking your vote on November 8th for State Senate in district 39. Our district includes the communities of Spring Lake Park, Fridley, Columbia Heights, Hilltop, Saint Anthony, and part of New Brighton.