My journey into education didn't begin in Washington—it began at my mother's kitchen table.

For 36 years, my mother devoted her life to teaching children. Growing up, she reminded me often, "You are smart so you can help someone else." Those words became more than advice—they became my life's purpose.

As a classroom teacher in a Title I school, I saw brilliant students held back by barriers they did not create. I quickly learned that while great teachers can change lives, lasting change also requires better policy. That realization led me from the classroom into education leadership and public service.

Working in Head Start, I partnered with families and communities and witnessed the life-changing impact that access to early childhood education and family support can have. I also saw what happens when schools and families don't have the resources they deserve.

Today, as a federal education policy leader, I work to ensure millions of dollars in education funding reach the students and communities Congress intended to serve. But my most important title isn't "policy expert"—it's Mom.

My two boys attend Ward 6 public schools. Like every parent, I want them to learn in safe schools, be taught by supported educators, and have every opportunity to succeed. I also know that my children cannot truly thrive unless every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Throughout my career, I have served education from every seat at the table—as a teacher, parent, school leader, nonprofit executive, and federal education policymaker. Those experiences have taught me that the best decisions are made when educators, families, and communities work together.

I am running for the DC State Board of Education because I believe every family deserves a voice, every educator deserves support, and every child deserves access to an excellent education—regardless of their neighborhood or ZIP code.

This campaign isn't about politics.

It's about our children.

WHY ME?

I am not a career politician.

I am a Ward 6 parent, educator, and education policy leader who has spent my career fighting for children from the classroom to the halls of Congress.

I know what education policy looks like in Washington—but I also know what it feels like when a kindergarten classroom loses an aide, when teachers are stretched too thin, and when parents feel like they aren't being heard.

I've worked at every level of education—as a classroom teacher, Head Start executive, nonprofit leader, and federal education official overseeing approximately $90 million in federal education investments. More importantly, I experience our schools every day as the mother of two DCPS students.

I believe strong schools are built when parents are true partners, educators are supported, and resources are distributed fairly.

My commitment is simple:

To listen first.
To lead with integrity.
And to ensure every child in Ward 6 has the opportunity to succeed.\

MY PRIORITIES

Parent Voice

One-line message

Parents aren't stakeholders—they're partners, and every family deserves a seat at the table.

Why it matters

Families know their children best. The strongest schools are built when parents, educators, students, and school leaders work together. I will advocate for meaningful family engagement that goes beyond meetings and surveys to ensure parents have a real voice in shaping educational decisions.

My Experience

Mother of two DCPS students

LSAT Co-Chair

PTO Executive Board member

PTO President

Principal Selection Panel member

Years of leading parent and community engagement initiatives through Head Start

Equitable Allocation of Resources

One-line message

Every child deserves opportunity—not just the students whose schools have the loudest voices or the largest fundraising budgets.

Why it matters

A child's education should never depend on their ZIP code. I will advocate for transparent, equitable funding that ensures every school has the teachers, staff, and resources students need to succeed.

My Experience

Led advocacy efforts before the DC Council for equitable school funding

Oversight of approximately $90 million in federal ESEA grant investments

Federal education policy advisor on resource allocation

First AVID Coordinator to lead a Title I school in South Fulton County to national AVID certification

Educator Wellness

One-line message

When educators are supported, students thrive.

Why it matters

Teachers cannot pour into students from an empty cup. Supporting educator well-being improves school climate, teacher retention, and ultimately student achievement.

My Experience

Doctor of Education whose dissertation focused on trauma-informed educational practices

Research centered on educator wellness and supportive school environments

New Teacher Advisor and mentor

Organized educator appreciation and wellness initiatives through community partnerships, including wellness events, breakfasts, and local business sponsorships

Early Childhood Investment

One-line message

The best investment we can make in our future begins long before kindergarten.

Why it matters

Children's earliest years lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Investing in early childhood education strengthens families, improves academic outcomes, and helps close opportunity gaps before they widen.

My Experience

National Head Start executive focused on parent and community engagement

Advocated before Congress for investments in early childhood education

Led initiatives supporting early childhood educator credentialing and professional development

Chaired and supported Parent Policy Councils

Federal grant reviewer for the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Birth–5 program

Every decision I make will be guided by one question: "Will this improve the lives of children?" If the answer is yes, I'll fight for it. If the answer is no, I'll work until we find a better solution. Because every child in Ward 6 deserves the opportunity to succeed.