Thriving small towns are the foundation of a well-functioning local, state, and national economy.
I live in the mountains of Ripton with my husband, Matt (self-proclaimed fourth-best mandolin player in Eastern Addison County), and two sons, Lucas and Teagan. I have an adult daughter, Tori, who lives outside Nashville with her husband and young family. Our small farm has two active dogs, a talkative cat, two friendly goats, and a flock of persnickety chickens.
I worked for two years to keep Ripton Elementary School open and now serve as a director on the board. I am working with fellow board members to create a sustainable model for small schools struggling to remain open after Act 46 consolidations.
I studied mechanical engineering, English, Spanish, and philosophy at Tennessee Technological University and Belmont University. I am a serial entrepreneur – like many Vermonters – who worked in multiple fields to stay challenged and make ends meet.
Currently, I am a project manager; I love the challenge of finding new and innovative ways to complete a project on time and under budget.
I strive to create unity in the community through fairness and equity, especially for people who experience injustice. It is important to hear and empathize with other perspectives to ensure quality representation and to find a way forward.
I enjoy reading when I am not working or serving as a volunteer, but mostly I spend my time wrangling kids and grandkids, goats, dogs, and/or chickens. And, on occasion, I am on the road with the fourth-best mandolin player in Eastern Addison County.