A Community Where Everyone Thrives

I’ve seen firsthand what makes Haldane so special. When I decided to run for the Haldane School Board, it wasn’t because I had a single issue I wanted to “fix.” It came from years of being part of this community as a parent, a neighbor, and someone who deeply values public education.

I see it in the music and drama programs, where students find their voice and their confidence. I see it on the elementary playground, where the Buddy Bench reminds children that no one has to feel alone. I see it in the classrooms, in the thoughtful, day-to-day work of teachers who are deeply committed to their students.

And I see it in the people - like our incredible school nurses, who care for students not just physically but emotionally. I’ve watched classroom parents give their time and energy in countless ways, supporting both teachers and students with a kind of quiet dedication that often goes unseen.

My perspective on schools comes from many places. I attended public school from kindergarten through 12th grade, and because my family moved often, I experienced very different school systems - from Reno, Nevada, to the suburbs of Chicago, to Baltimore County. That gave me an early understanding that schools can look and feel very different - and that leadership and community matter.

Later, as a psychologist and educator, I spent years training school psychologists and thinking deeply about how children learn, grow, and feel safe in school environments. And now, as a parent, I experience our schools in the most personal way possible.

All of these perspectives shape how I think about education and why I care so much. Haldane is a strong district. Even in the face of state and federal funding challenges, it continues to offer meaningful opportunities for students - from new academic initiatives like the phonics curriculum and STEAM Innovation Lab, to community-building events like Día de los Muertos celebrations that reflect the richness of our student body.

But strong doesn’t mean static. Our responsibility is to keep listening, keep learning, and keep growing - so that every student, every staff member, and every family feels supported and valued.

That means:

  • Supporting teachers and staff so they can do their best work

  • Prioritizing student well-being and mental health

  • Ensuring all students feel a sense of belonging

  • Making thoughtful, transparent decisions about resources and planning for the future

I’m running because I believe in this community - and because I want to contribute in a meaningful way to its future.

School boards work best when they bring together people who listen carefully, think thoughtfully, and collaborate well. That’s the kind of approach I would bring to this role.

I’m grateful to be part of Haldane, and I would be honored to serve.

📅 Election Day is Tuesday, May 19th
🕖 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
📍 Haldane Elementary Library
If this message resonates with you, I hope you’ll consider voting—and encouraging a few friends to do the same.

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Why Listening Matters in Decision-Making

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The Little Things That Make Haldane So Special