Age: 33

Current Occupation: Nurse practitioner

Past Experience: No previous school board experience

Education: Master’s of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse practitioner

1. Why do you want to win this position?

I want to win this position because the Wheaton community and school are important to me. I am a Wheaton Alumni, as are my parents and grandparents. I feel as though I received a good education that prepared me for the next steps in my life and professional career. I want to ensure the same is the case for my kids and generations to follow. I have two children in school district currently in 4th and 1st grade as well as a 3-year-old, so I am committed to the future of our school and community.

2. If elected, what is your number one goal on the school board?

I really just want to be more involved with our school at a higher level. I would say that my number one goal is to be committed to continuous improvement and creating additional opportunities for our students as much as possible to keep up the pace of some of the larger schools in our area. There are several major items going through legislature right now that will not benefit smaller schools such as open enrollment. We need to have activities and options for students and staff alike that will make Wheaton a place that is appealing to work and stay.

3. What areas of the school district do you think need improvement?

Something that really stuck out to me regarding our new superintendent for the upcoming school year is teacher retention. Her doctoral dissertation was in teacher retention. I think that being able to build anything successful comes from the continuity of relationships. The same is true for healthcare. I feel that as a board member it is important to be able to hear the voices of the teachers and staff and see what needs they feel arise. I hope to encourage a culture of teamwork on the board as well as in the school between staff members.

4. What capital projects do you believe the district should pursue?

I would love to see Wheaton have a new gym; however, I don’t think that we are monetarily equipped to do this right now. The biggest issue at hand is the passing of the new bond issue that will also be on the April 7th ballot. This will heavily influence the future of our school.

5. What do you feel is most important for raising the quality of education provided by Wheaton schools?

Again, I feel as though teacher retention is important as well as cultivating an environment where staff feel safe, heard, and supported is important. Everyone performs better when they feel appreciated and supported!