With 32 years of experience as a special education teacher in Apple Valley, I have dedicated my career to supporting and advocating for my students and colleagues. Raised in a union family, I have been a dedicated union member from the beginning of my career. As a member, I have held key leadership roles, including Treasurer, Secretary, Legislative Chair, Membership Chair, and Organizing Chair in my local union, Dakota County United Educators (DCUE). These positions have strengthened my financial management and record-keeping skills, as well as my ability to communicate effectively and organize efficiently. As Vice-Chair of the EDMN Political Action Committee, I continue to guide our union’s political and election programs in order to support pro-education candidates who will protect teacher’s rights and improve classroom conditions. I am committed to bringing this experience and dedication to the role of EDMN Secretary/Treasurer, to serve and support our members.

Teaching Experience

Special Education Resource Teacher, Southview Elementary, Apple Valley, MN, 1993-present

Special Education Teacher, Faribault Senior High School and Garfield Elementary School, Faribault, MN, 1992-1993

Local Union Involvement (DCUE)

DCUE Executive Board, Secretary, Present

DCUE Executive Board, Legislative Co-Chair MOLAC (Membership, Organizing and Legislative Committee)

DCUE Executive Board, Treasurer

DCUE Legislative Screening Team Chair, School Board Elections and Local Legislator Screenings

DCUE Grievance Committee Member

DCUE Legislative Committee Chair

DCUE Executive Board Membership Chair

DCUE Worksite Representative

DCUE Special Education Task Force Chair 

DCUE Budget Committee Chair

DCUE Personnel Committee Member

Education Minnesota Involvement

Education MN Political Action Committee Member (PAC Board) District M, 2010-present (Vice-Chair 2022-present)

Education MN PAC Board Screening Team for State and Federal Offices

Attendee and Presenter, ED MN Political Conferences

Delegate, ED MN Representative Conventions

National Union Involvement

Delegate, NEA National Conventions

Delegate, AFT National Conventions

Attendee, National Council of Urban Educators Advisors (NCUEA)

Attendee of President Biden’s State of the Union Address to Joint Session of Congress, Guest of Congresswoman Angie Craig, February 7, 2023