Occupation: I am a small business owner and entrepreneur, who has spent much of my career focused on business management, development, sales, and marketing in the education sector.  Prior to starting my own interior design firm, I opened and managed several tutoring centers across Long Island and Connecticut.  I was subsequently promoted to head the Connecticut/Westchester Territory for a well-known test preparation company.  Under my leadership, that territory became one of the top performing territories in the country.  I learned that partnering with district administrators, principals and counselors to tailor SAT & ACT programs to a diverse array of student populations, ranging from top rated private schools to some of the lowest performing districts in the area, was the way to achieve success for all our students.  My highest priority was to make high quality test preparation available to all students regardless of their socioeconomic status.  As a result, I am very familiar with the inner workings of school district business administration from a budgeting and finance perspective, which I believe would be invaluable to the work done by the North Shore Schools’ Board of Education Trustees.

Qualifications:  With the guidance of North Shore’s counselor, Tim Shea, I was awarded an academic scholarship to attend the University of Connecticut where I graduated with a B.A. in English Literature.  In addition to my professional experience, I am passionate about supporting North Shore Schools at every level because I am am a proud product of our schools.   I have been a very active member of the Sea Cliff School Parent Community Association (the “PCA”) for over five years, and I currently serve on the Executive Board as Vice President of Events.  Throughout my time as a member of the PCA, I have been a class parent and chaired or volunteered at many of Sea Cliff School’s events.  In 2018, I co-chaired the Sea Cliff School Gala Auction where we raised over $80,000, a record amount, for our students.  I am also an active member of the District’s Teaching and Learning Committee. 
My dedication to this district, our community, and most importantly to our students, has led me to the next step in my service – to run for Trustee.  I am eager to bring all of my expertise in business and educational initiatives to this position.

Personal:  I am a proud North Shore alumna (’98), which is one of the many reasons my husband and I moved back to the district in 2017.  Our fine arts department was my home as a Viking Masquer and chorus and Madrigal Singer.  I was an active member of the Key Club, AIDS peer educators and both the Foreign Language and Honors Society.  I also served as president of my class.  While I wasn’t an athlete myself, most of my friends were.  I know how important athletics are to the culture and pride of the school community.  When I wasn’t at rehearsals or meetings, I was on the fields cheering on our teams.  I have been out of our schools for quite some time, but I have fond memories of my time at North Shore.  I know, firsthand, how important it is to provide our students with amazing extracurricular activities and the pride that comes from supporting our athletic teams. As a trustee, I will work to make sure we continue to provide our students with diverse offerings and to support our athletic department.

I was raised in Glen Head and we currently reside in Sea Cliff with our two daughters.  Our oldest will graduate from Sea Cliff School this June, and she is looking forward to attending the Middle School “where mom went” this fall.  She has had an amazing experience at Sea Cliff School participating in so many of the extracurricular programs offered.   This year she was ecstatic to be a part of the chorus and Sea Cliff Singers, particularly because performance arts are her passion.  She also loves to play basketball and can’t wait to be eligible to play on a North Shore team.  Our youngest is only three, so I look forward to many more years of service and dedication to our kids and this community. 

Statement:  I am honored and excited to announce my candidacy for North Shore Board of Education Trustee.  I am humbled by the support I have already received from the community.  The past two years have been a challenge for our district and community.  It is extremely encouraging to see so many more parents and community members getting involved in our district over this time.  We are fortunate to live in such a wonderful district with so many people who care --- all voices matter.   I am a mother and a taxpayer.  My parents still live in this community, it is my home.  I am running for Trustee because I know that for all our success, our district has further potential.  I applaud the efforts made by the dedicated community members who have served before, but I believe I can provide a fresh voice and a new perspective in furtherance of building a stronger relationship of trust between our board and our community.  At a time when the community is so divided, I believe we need to include new voices to create a balanced approach.  If we do, the possibilities for success are endless.

My professional and volunteer experience has prepared me to take on this role as your Trustee.  As Trustee, I will never forget that I work for the community and our students.  I promise to fully open the lines of communication as much as possible, promoting transparency and partnership between the community and the school district.  I pledge to listen to the concerns and suggestions that you, as community members, have.  A Trustee has no more important role than to recognize the voices of our residents and work to address their concerns.  As your trustee, I will bring a relatable voice to the Board of Education that you may feel hasn’t existed in the past.  I will always be a strong voice for our children, but also for you, the parents and community members.  I will commit to utilizing our hard-earned tax dollars carefully and responsibly and in the most efficient and thoughtful manner possible.  I promise to offer loyalty, integrity and transparency.  As a proud alumna and successful business professional, my experience and my commitment to this community will serve me well as a Trustee on our board.  I have a Sea Cliff address, but I grew up in Glen Head.  As such, I am dedicated to serving the needs of ALL North Shore students.    

I ask you to put your faith and trust in me and to vote for me on May 17th.  Most importantly, now more than ever, your voice and your vote matter.  Please get out and vote.  It is the most profound way to have your voice heard.