My journey to this moment started over three decades ago, as I attended a political fundraiser. I was captivated. I couldn't escape being immersed in the comradery and the infectious energy of fellow citizens expressing opinions, concerns, and passions. I saw what our forefathers so wisely saw almost 250 years ago: being heard is not only important, it is the essence of what shapes policies and the future of our communities, cities and country.

As I navigated the next stages of life...professional career, motherhood, business owner, community service...I was, of course, busy. Even so, the desire to serve people in my community, listen to their voices, and represent their voices never died. The fire wasn't as bright, but the embers would get stoked from time to time.

In 2017, I was appointed to the Lee's Summit Planning Commission and currently serve as the Chair. As a Commissioner, I have had the opportunity to serve as a liaison to the Community and Economic Development Committee, which is comprised of City Council members. This has given me the opportunity to more closely observe what goes into the governance of our city. I find it interesting, challenging and important. I believe I can be an effective leader in that role and that's how I arrived to the current chapter in the story. I am running to be your District Three City Council Member for Lee's Summit, Missouri. I have a passion for this great city, its people...that's you(!), and for leaving a legacy of hope to the next generation.

I earned a bachelor's degree from Rockhurst University and passed the CPA exam after graduation. I went on to receive an MBA at Rockhurst University. I worked full time in my profession until I became a mom and worked from home, often in the very early hours of the morning while my children were sleeping. In 2009, I started my own accounting firm in Lee's Summit and became active in the community. I have served on the Summit Art board, Highland Park Elementary PTA board, volunteered with Lee's Summit Cares, served on various committees for the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce, and currently support the Lee's Summit Symphony. In 2016, I received an honor that has made me humble and grateful: The Chamber's Business of the Year Award. I was recently appointed to the Lee's Summit Charter Commission and in 2026 will be working with others in the community to evaluate our current charter and recommend any needed changes. Outside of the community, I am a past president of the Missouri Society of Accountants and served as a board member of the International Dyslexia Association. I have a passion for those who suffer from mental illness, attachment disorder and learning disabilities. The passion comes from my interactions with others near and dear to me. I have become a strong believer in the importance of mental health wellness and resources. Initially, my career path was headed toward being an elementary teacher specializing in learning disabilities. I still like to educate myself about learning techniques, such as multisensory learning approaches.

In my free time, I like to spend time at home with my husband and youngest child. We are all looking forward to a new grandbaby early next year. It is fulfilling when we get to have the entire family at our home eating a meal together for the holidays or just having impromptu get togethers. I do plenty of projects around the house and occasionally go on vacations. When vacationing, I enjoy both the beach and mountains. When at the beach, I view the buoys as how far I must swim. When I see a mountain, I see it as something to summit. In 2022, I hiked my first 14er, and it wasn't pretty, but I "got 'er done." I had selected Mt. Elbert in Colorado, because it's the tallest. In 2024, I hiked Mt. Bierstadt in Colorado. From a physical perspective, these hikes were some of the hardest things I have ever attempted. I soon realized that success was only going to happen by putting one foot in front of the other over and over again, embracing the challenge, and NEVER quitting.

Thank you for reading part of my story. I look forward to hearing your story and working together to continue making Lee's Summit a community of greatness!