Who I am

Growing up, I had dreams of becoming a teacher. By the time I was in high school, working as a nursing assistant in a long term care facility, I knew I wanted to be a nurse. Thankfully, I’ve been fortunate enough to be both.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I moved to Rochester in 2002 to work as an ICU nurse, where critical thinking, collaboration and compassion are imperative. I earned a Master’s of Science of Nursing degree with a focus in Education, by doing coursework late at night after my small children were in bed. I’ve been working hard my whole life.

Like others in our community, my family means the world to me. My daughter is 28 and my boys are 22 and 20, we love to play games and travel. My mother is retired and lives with us as well, for which I’m so grateful. I see firsthand the impact of the concerns of the climate crisis on young people and the challenges of the healthcare system for our elders. I’m motivated to continue to take this experience to St. Paul and represent all families.

I was elected to represent District 25B in the Minnesota House in 2020. Earning the trust and support of our community in 2022 to serve as the Senator for District 25 is an incredible honor and I’m excited to continue the important work I’ve started in St. Paul.

My “Why”

Everything I do is because I’m ALL IN to build a better Minnesota and a better world for my kids, and all kids. I have concerns around many issues that we’re facing. This is a critical time and the stakes could not be higher. I’m so hopeful for our future and I know I have the skills, experience, and persistence to work towards meaningful solutions for everyone. I want to continue to build an inclusive and just Minnesota where everyone matters, everyone counts and everyone is valued, because we are ALL IN this together.

My priorities are building a democracy that honors every person’s dignity and a caring economy that allows everyone to thrive.

I am ALL IN for:

• Investing in a public education system that is fully funded and achieves education equity from pre-K to higher education

• Creating a guaranteed healthcare system that promotes health and provides ongoing support and care for all

• Building a community that is safe and inclusive for everyone — a community that takes bold steps to address gun violence, systemic racism and climate change