I live in Toronto with my husband Dana. I grew up on a farm in eastern Brookings county and graduated from Brookings high school. I work for SDSU as the coordinator of disability services, a role in which I work with all students with disabilities who are enrolled in SDSU which means they may be in Brookings, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen or virtually anywhere.

My first passion has been the arts. I hold degrees in fine arts and art education. I have worked at the South Dakota Art Museum, where it was an honor to interact with some of our state's iconic art works and artists. I also was the director of the Brookings Arts Council and Community Cultural Center where we hosted exhibitions and events like The Festival of Trees and Tables Beautiful as well as extensive children's classes which brought joy and energy to the facility as only enthusiastic children can do!

Dana is a painting contractor who is also an artist when he can find the time. He is often called upon to put his multiple skills to good use maintaining our home which was built in 1897.

It is an honor to be asked to serve on this board. I believe it is important to give back to our communities and we individually have an obligation try to make and keep them good places to live for all. Locally, I serve on the Toronto city council and the Deubrook Community library board. I am also on the Brookings Area Transit (BATA) board and the Brookings Committee for People With Disabilities. I am a long-time member of Dakota Rural Action.