Fresh Ideas for an Even Better Cascade
Resourceful, determined, strategic, and creative are ways neighbors, colleagues and clients
describe me. Learn more about some of the experiences inspiring my candidacy for Cascade Township Trustee:
- Transparency and Taxpayer Diligence. In 2021, I helped launch a community organization dedicated to protecting our Forest Hills Public Schools from outside and coordinated attacks. I helped raise over $20,000 to fund communication, events, and school board campaigns to avoid the unwarranted attempted recall of duly elected members - not because they committed any malfeasance - but because a politically motivated group of outsiders wanted to perpetuate national attacks against public schools. (Michigan Advance)
To protect our property values, I spoke in support our educators, highlighted factual curriculum and academic outcomes, and rallied thousands of supporters. These efforts prevented a wasteful $100,000+ special recall election for taxpayers within the Forest Hills and Lowell district areas.- I wrote state-wide op-eds connecting these generic attacks to the highly-politicized anti-public education efforts intended to discredit our schools in Forest Hills, Lowell and Caledonia so that activists could gain more support for elections and privatization. (Bridge Michigan) Strong local schools
preserve all of our property values and help our children thrive. - During the contentious 2022 FHPS Board of Education election, I co-planned and hosted a successful community forum for voters to learn about the 13 candidates vying for four seats when no other forums were planned.
- These successes became a model for Lowell Area Schools, Grandville, and districts across Michigan and the U.S. I also built expertise in State of Michigan budgets, funding, and laws.
- I wrote state-wide op-eds connecting these generic attacks to the highly-politicized anti-public education efforts intended to discredit our schools in Forest Hills, Lowell and Caledonia so that activists could gain more support for elections and privatization. (Bridge Michigan) Strong local schools
- Decorum and Civility. Through the national-turned-local attacks on
public education, I pled to keep Board of Education and committee meetings professional, on task, and civil. Business and government meetings are no place for personal attacks. Whether discussing schools or topics affecting the Cascade community, we are working toward common ground, and effective communication keeps us more efficient and focused on our goals. Cascade residents on every side of the aisle have acknowledged my ability to stick to the facts and appropriately navigate tricky topics. (FOX 17 Interview)
- Accountability. As a new mother living in the City of
Chicago, I established the "Edgewater Medical Center" citizens committee within the West Edgewater Area Residents Association to hold our local elected representative and a developer accountable when they allowed a half-demolished hospital to sit directly across the street from my house. I took charge, communicating directly with residents, the Illinois EPA, the health department, the developer, and the Chicago alderman's office to gather accurate information, host community town halls, and request resolutions to numerous physical and environmental
hazards (such as asbestos abatement, air quality, trespassers, damaged scaffolding and fences, and traffic issues). I also helped advance the developer's promises for a community green space - not only for my kids to enjoy, but to protect our property value leading into our eventual sale and move to Michigan. I hold all parties to their promises and word.
- Community Event Planning. I enjoy every opportunity to bring neighbors and citizens together. I've coordinated and
hosted first-ever block parties, nonprofit events, classroom parties galore. Here, there's nothing better than the "Friday Night Lights" of high school football, library events, or celebrating Cascade's Heritage. The Fourth of July will always be one of my favorite holidays and nowhere celebrates quite like Cascade. I admire Ada's music events, farmer's markets, and small business promotion and hope to apply my fresh ideas to create more opportunities for Cascade residents. - Advocate and Volunteer. I've spent time in Lansing advocating for mental health
support and suicide prevention strategies for Veterans and young people. Here in
Cascade, I give back by volunteering as a lead room parent in both of my children's classrooms. I serve on the Board of Directors as Vice President for West Michigan Survivors of Suicide Loss and the Greater Grand Rapids Figure Skating Club. I launched the Marquette University Alumni Club of West Michigan and serve as a mentor to students of Grand Valley State University. - Fresh Perspective. We chose Cascade for our family nearly seven years ago when my husband opted to bring his health care practice to Grand Rapids. He grew up in Michigan, attended both big universities, and we married in West Michigan 13 years ago. I've wasted no time rolling up my sleeves to fight for Cascade's most precious assets. As a mother of younger kiddos, I worry that some of the important details within our community - like well-maintained parks and paths, and the need for safe walkways - may no longer be as "visible" to others, which is why my fresh ideas, energy, and perspective will keep Cascade on track.
More About Me
I grew up in Wisconsin and attended Marquette University in Milwaukee with a community service scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Public Relations. I have worked for over 20 years with some of the country's top PR agencies and brands. I have taught as an adjunct instructor at Grand Valley State University and serve as a mentor to communication students.
You can regularly find our family attending school and athletic events, cheering on our kids from the sidelines, walking in local parks, playing with our dog, and spending lake time on weekends with extended family.
