Born and raised in Florence, I've had the privilege of watching this city grow and change over my 56 years. I am a product of Boone County Schools, having attended Ockerman Elementary, R. A. Jones Middle, and Boone County High School, graduating in 1987. I grew up with parents that valued public service. My father was a member of the Florence City Council for the majority of the 80s. My mother served on many committees and was in several clubs meant to better the lives of Florence residents. They instilled in me the importance of being a productive member of my community. After marrying my husband, Larry, in 1993, we raised our two sons in Florence. My oldest has since married, and we were blessed to welcome our first grandchild in early 2025. My children grew up in Florence's recreational spaces, parks, and libraries. I can't wait to watch my granddaughter enjoy those same experiences.

EDUCATION AND WORK:

Upon graduating from high school, I received a 4-year scholarship to NKU and went on to receive a Bachelor's and Master's degree in education. In 2007, I earned National Board Certification, which also gave me Rank 1 status. I began my teaching career in 1993 in Grant County at Mason-Corinth Elementary. In 2000, I decided to come closer to home and began teaching in Kenton County at Caywood Elementary.  Both of those experiences shaped who I was as an educator and a leader. However, it was always my dream to finish my career in Boone County Schools. In 2021, I was able to do that when I took a teaching position at Longbranch Elementary! I retired after 32 years of teaching in 2025 but continue to work part-time as office support staff at Longbranch.

SKILLS:

During my career, I took on many leadership roles, in addition to my role as teacher, which helped me gain a multitude of skills that are helpful and necessary as an effective Florence City Council member.  As a leader in my schools, I gained the skills of community building and engagement, policy development and implementation, collaboration, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Communication and the ability to listen are vital skills I gained, as well as, critical and creative thinking, time management and organization, and the ability to multi-task.  With these skills, my enthusiasm, and my work ethic, I believe I would make an excellent choice as a new member of the Florence City Council.