My roots in the 53rd District date back to 1976 when I accepted a position as an editor with the Daily Herald newspaper. I moved to north Arlington Heights to be closer to my job. It was an exciting time. The area was growing; building was booming, and the Daily Herald was expanding its circulation area and readership. I worked there for five years before becoming a freelance writer. I continued to be involved in many projects for the Daily Herald and other area businesses.

As I was raising my three daughters, I volunteered in various organizations including Women’s American ORT, the Girl Scouts, Junior Great Books Foundation, and the PTO. My interest in quality education led to increased involvement with the schools including Leadership Committee work.

In 1995, I was elected to the Board of Education in Prospect Heights School District 23. I was re-elected for two additional four-year terms, serving a total of 12 years. While President of the BOE, I was most proud of improving relations with the teacher’s union through interest-based bargaining. I also worked hard to create a Communications Plan for the District to more effectively get information out to parents, teachers, and residents. My top priority as a Board member was maintaining fiscal responsibility while providing the best education possible for the students.

I continue to be involved with District 23 working with the Board of Education and Administration on writing the School Scene resident newsletter and other communications.

In 2007, when my friend and fellow Board Member, Bill Caputo, passed away suddenly, I established the William P. Caputo Scholarship in his memory. I have remained a part of the selection committee which awards a $1,000 scholarship each spring to a District 23 graduate who is going on to pursue higher education.

I also volunteered at Wheeling High School for many years. I was president of the Wheeling High School Choral League for 10 years and in 2005 was named the high school’s Hometown Honoree.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. For the past five years, I have had the pleasure of working at the Wheeling Park District as Promotions Coordinator. In that capacity, I am able to inform the community about all the great events, programs, and facilities available to them through the Park District.

I live in Wheeling with Andy, my husband of 31 years, and our 12-year-old dog Chloe. Our youngest daughter is a junior at the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign. Our middle daughter graduated from Indiana University and works for a large marketing company in Manhattan. Our oldest did her undergraduate work at the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign and got her Masters in Architecture at Parsons School of Design in New York. She resides in London where she is employed by a large international architecture firm.

The bonds I have formed over the years with so many friends and neighbors created a strong and meaningful connection to this community. My desire to run for Illinois State Representative in the 53rd District is a natural progression of this profound dynamic.