Over the years I have had the privilege to work with countless young people in our community. Through volunteering as a Book Buddy, Senior project mentor, and leading hundreds of Dance Marathon students; I have seen firsthand the impact that BCSC has on students and families. We are fortunate to have a corporation that wraps around our youth to ensure they are on the best path possible.
BCSC has made great strides in identifying gaps in educational needs, as well as the unmet basic needs of students that impede their academic success. This holistic approach has led to increased academic success and overall well-being for many students.
Having two young children of my own, it is important to me that our school system continues to provide the strongest foundation possible to help every youngster reach his or her full potential, and it would be an honor to be a small part of that work.
Advocate for Students
Growing up, and even into adulthood, I watched my Mom work tirelessly in her classroom. For years, she not only gave time, talent, and treasure to the profession, but provided endless amounts empathy, compassion, and support to thousands of children. Teaching was much more to her than helping students achieve educational milestones. It was an opportunity to inspire, excite, and encourage. She spent endless hours planning, preparing, and coordinating meaningful and engaging lesson plans, while also following best practices and meeting state standards. It was an incredible feat that she accomplished each day, all while ensuring her students basic needs were met.
The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation is immensely fortunate to have hundreds of outstanding educators, but without community support, respect, and adequate benefits, we are at risk of losing them. Our teachers show up every day ready and willing to tackle the near impossible, with a room of countless students, ranging drastically in both lived experience and academic ability. Teachers need a school board who believes in them and who acknowledges the sacrifices they make for our students, and our community.
Support for Teachers
I have spent my professional life seeking to help individuals and families remove barriers to live healthy, independent lives. The school system is at the heart of this effort providing critical educational and extracurricular support – and sometimes more – for families in need. BCSC works together with parents, the human services network, and other key stakeholders to build a strong future for our kids. I experience this all the time from my own interactions.
While students receive their academic education at the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, it takes place within the context of a larger community. Local administrators, teachers and paraprofessionals cannot do their jobs alone. It requires a systemic approach; one that can help support students and families so that education can be a primary focus, helping to lay the foundation for bright futures.
As someone who works with local organizations and key stakeholders in the community, I feel I could help address systemic issues and concerns for students and family units. I also believe the BCSC school board could benefit from having a representative from the human services network who could bring a new and unique perspective to the excellent work already underway.
Connected to Community
I am a lifelong resident of Bartholomew County, and a proud graduate of Columbus East and Indiana University. I have spent much of my career working in advocacy for children within the human services network of Bartholomew County and the surrounding region. This has included work for Riley Children’s Foundation, United Way of Bartholomew County and Turning Point, where I currently serve as president.
In addition to my professional duties, I also serve as fundraising chair of the First Presbyterian Preschool Policy Board, and am a member of the Columbus Regional Health VIMCare event committee. I am also a member of the PEO Sorority and attend Hope United Methodist church.
In my spare time I enjoy cheering on my kiddos in local sporting events, riding bikes, reading and listening to music.
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