I have lived in Kalamazoo County my entire life. In fact, my mother's family has lived in Kalamazoo since its origins of Titus Bronson, from whom we descend. I grew up on dairy farms in Pavilion and Texas Township with my three brothers. My father milked cows, farmed the fields and did what every farmer does- work hard from sunup to sundown while my mother was a homemaker and seamstress. My brothers and I helped out on the farm, doing various chores. Like many youth in the farming community, I detassled corn in the summers to earn extra money.
I graduated from Mattawan High School. I then attended Michigan State University's James Madison College, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations. I worked to put myself through school, working in the cafeteria and for the intramural athletics department.
After college, I worked for Catholic Family Services for over eight years, working with families in need. I eventually became responsible for grant writing, contract management/compliance and program development. I designed and implemented many programs including the Teen Parent Program in Berrien County, the Postpartum Depression Program in Kalamazoo County and Homeless Services for teens in a multi-county region. I also managed the Kalamazoo County Caring Network Program.
In 2001, I married my husband, Nick. Together, we have two children - Samantha and Tyjon.
I have been a Licensed Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Advantage since 2003. I specialize in residential property.
In my spare time, I enjoy running, playing soccer, reading, photography and camping with my family.
Community Commitment:
I am very active in our community.
- Portage City Councilwoman, City of Portage
- Chairman, Water and Sewer Rate Committee, City of Portage
- Property Committee, City of Portage
- Ad Hoc Drug Prevention Committee, City of Portage
- Affordable Housing Committee, City of Portage
- Communication and Technology Committee, City of Portage
- Chair, Youth Involvement Committee (City Of Portage)
- City Manager Evaluation Committee, City of Portage
- Human Resources and Park Boards, City of Portage
- Girls On The Run Coach, Haverhill Elementary, Portage Public Schools
- Chairman, Continuing Education For Young Families, Kalamazoo Public Schools
- Vice Chair, Environmental Health Advisory Council, Kalamazoo County
- Sanitary Code Committee, Kalamazoo County
- Public Policy Committee, Michigan Association of Realtors®
- Michigan Political Leadership Program Steering Committee
- Governmental Affairs Committee, Greater Kalamazoo Association of Realtors®
- Member, Kalamazoo Valley Family Church
- Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
- HomeBuilders Association of Greater Kalamazoo Member
- Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force
- Catholic Family Services Volunteer
- Strong Families/Safe Children Coordinating Council
- AYSO Soccer Coach, Region 74
- Fetal Infant Mortality Review Team
- Kalamazoo Infant Safe Sleep Coalition
- Board of Directors, Kalamazoo Child Abuse and Neglect Council
- Early On Advisory Council
- Kalamazoo Right to Life Volunteer
- Michigan Cerebral Palsy and Les Autres Games Volunteer
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