ABOUT

I WAS RAISED IN WEST MICHIGAN

As you know, that brings with it a special commitment to service. My parents loved our community and were dedicated to pouring into our community's children. As a first generation college graduate, I was constantly reminded by them about the value of education.

As a proud wife and mother of two, I know how hard anyone with a family has to work to make ends meet, let alone plan for the future education of your children. All students deserve quality, affordable education.

A THRIVING CAREER

I am proud of the education and opportunities I have received, primarily because this now allows me to work on behalf of others - on behalf of you - more effectively. My education includes:

Ed.D., Educational Leadership, 2014, Eastern Michigan University

Ed.S., Educational Leadership, 2011, Grand Valley State University

M.Ed., Secondary Education, 2002, Aquinas College

M.A., Community Agency Counseling & School Guidance Counseling. 1997, Michigan State University

B.A., Human Services with a Concentration in Psychology, 1995,

Siena Heights University

My professional experiences include:

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Kent Intermediate School District

Curriculum Consultant and Designer for Davenport University

Co-Facilitator of KISD's Teacher Leadership Cohort

Adjunct Professor of undergraduate and graduate courses at GVSU

Principal/Consultant at KISD/Kent Innovation High School

Adjunct Professor at Cornerstone University

Lead Administrator, Assistant Principal at KISD/Kent Career Technical Center

Guest Instructor at Ferris State University

Adjunct Instructor at the University of Phoenix

Guidance Classroom Teacher/School Counselor at Kentwood Public Schools

Child and Family Mental Health Clinician at Network 180

I serve or have served on a variety of boards, from the Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation, the Board of Administrators at Kentwood Community Church, the Michigan Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the West Michigan Counseling Association and as a member of the Community Action Committee for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation - just to name a few!

I have been named a Woman of Achievement by the YWCA, was an invited participant to the third and fourth White House Convening of the Reach Higher Initiative, a Scholar of Excellence at Eastern Michigan University among other academic and professional honors.