I am a lifelong resident of West Virginia. My ancestry runs back as far as 10 generations in the Mountain State. My Appalachian upbringing has informed my view of the world, and it is a place rich in culture but limited in education opportunities. I was one of the first women in my family to graduate with a bachelor's degree and the only person in my family to achieve a graduate degree. In pursuing my education and working in the field, I have become emboldened to be the person I previously needed and hold a fundamental belief that everyone should have access to education.
About to hit the 17 year mark in my education career, I have experienced and witnessed structures in education that impede education access and student success. My cumulative experience in education has given me the tools, understanding, and resourcefulness to be an effective leader who seeks to promote collaboration, cultivate education pathways, and eliminate barriers to education access.
My passion for education access has driven me to pursue a Ph.D. in Education Studies from Purdue University to expand my knowledge and understanding of the complexities in education policy, oversight, and accountability. I have presented across the country virtually, at national conferences, and abroad about the importance of impactful education planning, policy, community building, and resource allocation. With a heavy focus on research, data, and implementation, I hope to bring my passion for community engagement to the Putnam County Board of Education and use my position and platform to amplify student success by listening and understanding the needs of my community.
I have children that no longer attend their own public schools because of things that need to be addressed. Please tell me what issues you have noticed and, together, we can work to change things. Please fill out this form so I can begin helping before I am elected.
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