About Me
I am the mother of three incredible children and three energetic pets, and the wife of a wonderful husband whose constant encouragement has been the cornerstone of our family life. We are blessed with a strong network: close friends who are like kin, parents who relocated to be near us, and a wide circle of relatives spanning from the United Kingdom to across the United States. This supportive community has deeply enriched our daily lives.
Living, studying, and working internationally has provided me with a profound respect for diverse cultures and viewpoints. While living in Europe, I watched my two oldest children begin their education at an international school in Switzerland, where they were immersed in cultures, languages, and perspectives far different from their own. That experience reinforced what our family's global adventures had already taught us: despite our differences, we all share fundamental desires for bright futures for our youth, meaningful human connections, and a true sense of belonging.
When I am not attending soccer matches with my youngest, applauding my middle child's theater shows, or guiding my eldest toward her upcoming studies at the University of Wisconsin—Go Badgers—you can find me visiting neighborhood eateries or enjoying a touring Broadway production. I also love gardening, lake days, and hitting the cross-country ski paths during our bold Minnesota winters. Additionally, I am an avid enthusiast of the Minnesota State Fair; it is a seasonal highlight for me.
Local Community Involvement
Early Foundations
My community involvement began as PTO Fundraising Chair at Lake Harriet Community School, where I led a fundraising strategy that increased donations by more than 200%. I also led Cargill's local Toys for Tots campaign, helping collect more than 10,000 toys for children in need. My involvement continued through PTO leadership and classroom volunteering at Creek Valley, and later through Valley View Middle School and Edina High School, where I have actively supported our academic, athletic, arts, and music programs.
Parent Leadership
Through my leadership of the largest parent network in Edina, I've helped connect families, foster productive dialogue, and elevate community voices on important local issues. During COVID, I led discussions on school board topics, helping residents separate fact from rumor and better understand rapidly evolving decisions. When school board meetings became increasingly contentious, I organized community members around constructive engagement and support for our schools. I've been a longstanding advocate for the Edina School Board, helping build trust, understanding, and informed participation across our community.
Civic Advocacy
I've served as a parent representative on the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Advisory Committee for Edina Public Schools and was selected as a community leader responsible for mobilizing support for the Hornet Cares Fund, helping families in need access resources.
I currently serve as Board Chair of Achieve Twin Cities, a nonprofit that helps students build the connections, experiences, and skills needed for success in college, careers, and life.
Across every role, I've focused on bringing people together, building understanding, and supporting the success of all students and families.