Biographical information
My husband, Dave and I have been married for 31 years. We have two boys who have graduated from the Mendon-Upton School District. I attended Rochester Institute of Technology for undergraduate education and Endicott College and Mass College of Art & Design for graduate school. After 20+ years teaching, I am currently a high school administrator in another district.
How long have you lived in Mendon?
We moved from Upton to Mendon 12 years ago, my first volunteer position for the town was on the Mendon Police Station building committee. My father was a retired state trooper and my mother was a nurse. Their careers had a tremendous impact on my life, especially my respect for first responders and the importance of public service.
Why did you decide to run for this office?
My boys are now in college and it was time to volunteer in a different capacity for the town of Mendon. I am truly grateful for the amazing place that my kids grew up in and for a school district that values the visual and performing arts with an emphasis on civic responsibility and academic rigor.
What professional or volunteer experience will you bring to this role?
As a volunteer in so many capacities, I have met some of my greatest friends in life because of volunteering. As a long-time member of the Mendon-Upton Education Foundation I was able to work with so many different groups and learn about the significance that each experience brings to the table. Fundraising is hard work, but awarding grants to Nipmuc graduates helped me to do a deep dive into the incredible resources and talent that are available in our community.
Please describe other activities you’ve been involved with in Mendon or elsewhere, including any other elected or appointed positions.
Prior to my appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission, I held the position of Vice President of The Mendon-Upton Education Foundation. I take great pride in our schools and community and I have a life-long love of sports, art, music and the performing arts. These interests have driven my volunteer work for Boy Scouts, MURSD Performing Arts as well as being a high school sports coach, new teacher mentor and multiple club advisor.
What values guide your public service?
My professional career in public service has given me so many opportunities to encourage others to “stop and take a rest if you have to, but never quit.” Whether I am working with kids or adult learners, I enjoy learning about people’s journeys in life and how they got to where they are. Perseverance drives my goals for myself and others.
How do you make decisions when there’s no perfect option?
Follow policies and procedures, it’s the best way to move forward if there is seemingly no perfect option.
How should our parks and recreation spaces evolve over the next five to 10 years?
My first priority on the commission was to understand each person’s strength on our committee. In the few months I have been on the committee I know my go-to person for youth sports is Steven Aubut. He is a great resource for Parks and Recreation and I value his depth of knowledge and respect for his active role in our community. Along with the expertise of Dan Byer, the Director of Parks and Recreation, I know we can expand year-round activities, we have the right experience and attitude to get things done.
What types of programs or recreational opportunities should the town expand?
I think it would be amazing to meet with some key groups and see what people need/want. Is it more fields or can we incorporate multi-generational, year-round recreational activities.
How should the Parks Commission collaborate with other town entities and organizations?
In my current role as an adult education career & technical supervisor, I develop and implement courses and activities to help adults achieve their goal of life-long learning, from pickleball, welding to Mahjong. Parks and Recreation already does a great job of collaborating with town groups, so the foundation is set for greater collaboration.
Mendon Commons sent questionnaires to each of the 13 candidates running for town office in the May 19 election. We are publishing the responses through today, May 18.
