Both my life and work experiences have provided the tools necessary to lead the city as Menasha’s next Mayor.

I’m no stranger to hard work. I’ve assembled small engines on a factory floor, waited on tables, and worked as a custodian, all on my way to earning a teaching degree.

I know what it’s like to get up and go when you’re worn out, to take care of aging parents and young children, and to deal with the unexpected bill. These are facts of life that most of us in Menasha deal with routinely.

That’s why it’s so important to live in a community that functions properly — delivering on services we have a right to expect — without adding undue burden on citizens and taxpayers.

As part of my UW Extension Leadership training, I’ve visited other communities around the state to see how their local governments work for them. My courses also took me to Croatia where we explored a changing economy that affected people’s lives, small businesses, and communities.

These experiences have shown me that while we can learn a great deal from how others do things, it’s a blessing to live in a community like Menasha that has a strong identity and its own approach to overcoming obstacles and reaching goals.

While I grew up in rural Chilton, my husband, Jeff, is a lifelong Menasha resident. When we married, we could have lived anywhere in the region, but we chose Menasha.

I am a graduate of UW Oshkosh with a degree in music education, and I taught band in the Menasha Public School district for a few years. I continue to serve MJSD as a member of the Menasha Education Fund Board.

Jeff is a Menasha High School grad and our two children attend Menasha public schools. We own our home in Menasha, are active in our church, and we volunteer as a family in the community.

I’m proud to serve on the Menasha City Council, doing my part to keep our city moving forward. As your next mayor, I will continue to work hard improving the quality of life for all residents.