From Then to Now

I was born in Columbus, Ohio. We still enjoy traveling back to visit family and long-time friends. My husband at this point would add in, "Go Bucks!"  However, I would have to say that we as a family have become pretty dedicated, proud Chiefs, Royals and Sporting KC fans! 

I graduated from Kenyon College, with a Philosophy and Psychology degree, a concentration in Neuroscience and Mathematical Statistics minor. I had the opportunity to play tennis at Kenyon and we were fortunate to win two NCAA Div. 3 National Championships.

After graduating from college, I was granted a work permit for Great Britain. I worked in London for six months and traveled the UK and Ireland on weekends and holidays. I also had the opportunity to explore Turkey, the Czech Republic, Spain, France, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand. I enjoyed being immersed in new cultures and experiencing all the beauty the world has to offer. 

Once I returned from my travels, I began working for a major international retailer as a market research consultant. I was responsible for designing and organizing consumer surveys and focus groups, compiling data for new products and providing reports and analytics. 

In 2004, my husband, Mark,  got a wonderful job opportunity in Topeka. I was in my third trimester with my first child and we decided that it was best for me to stay behind in Columbus until his birth. Mark commuted for that first year and we finally moved to Prairie Village in July of 2005. We chose Prairie Village over Topeka for many of the same reasons you all chose our city to call home - the beautiful tree-lined streets and well-kept homes, amazing schools, great assortment of walking-distance local restaurants and shops and the proximity to larger cultural and entertainment venues.

My husband, Mark, and I have been married for nearly 18 years. We have three incredible children. Benjamin, our oldest son, is a junior at Pembroke Hill. He plays varsity soccer and has been very involved in community and professional theatre in Kansas City. Our second son, Oliver, is a freshman at Rockhurst.  He is having a great time playing goalie for their freshman soccer team and meeting new friends from around the city. He also enjoys playing basketball. Our daughter, Madelaine, is very active as well. She is a fourth grader at Cure' of Ars Catholic school and enjoys her ballet classes at KC Ballet as well as playing on her soccer team. They all have been a great support system for my new endeavor and I am truly blessed to have them by my side!

When my children were very young I was a member of a wonderful organization called Hillcrest MOPS. During my time there, I held the Finance chair and Fundraising chair positions for approximately five years. 

My children and I were baptized at Cure' of Ars Catholic Church during the 2013 Easter Vigil. Both Benjamin and Oliver attended Cure' of Ars Catholic school from Kindergarten through their eighth grade year. As mentioned, Madelaine is currently a fourth grader at the school. We have been blessed to have a wonderful, supportive parish community and enjoy participating in the programs and events they offer.

My husband  and I have two investment properties that I solely manage. One here in Prairie Village, and the other, our first home, in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Having managed these properties for the past 16 years has given me a strong understanding of landlord/tenant needs and concerns. 

I've always had a passion for community. Having the opportunity to serve as a board member on the Corinth Hills Homes Association for four years was a great experience. It allowed me to help plan fun, engaging events for our neighborhood and understand the budget requirements to keep our neighborhood exceptional.

I am looking forward to getting the opportunity to represent my neighbors. All of my life experiences leading up to this candidacy have given me the ability to serve my community extremely well.  I am an approachable, compassionate person with strong family and community values. I excel at and enjoy high-level thinking and work well with others. Most importantly, I'm a huge fan and devoted to "all things Prairie Village"! Listening to residents and working with fellow council members to continue to build on the strength and spirit of Prairie Village would be such a privilege and I'm ready for  the challenge!