I am first and foremost a mother and grandmother. My second son’s autism spectrum diagnosis changed the trajectory of my adult life. I learned first-hand how difficult it was to find and secure the resources and care that he needed while simultaneously caring for ...
Read moreI am first and foremost a mother and grandmother. My second son’s autism spectrum diagnosis changed the trajectory of my adult life. I learned first-hand how difficult it was to find and secure the resources and care that he needed while simultaneously caring for my other children, making a living, and caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s. I changed professions to accommodate their needs and found my perfect profession. I have a master’s degree in library media education and worked for 18 years in both public and private schools. My experiences caring for my family and working in a variety of schools taught me that at some point in our lives, we all need someone to speak for us, to advocate for our needs, and to respect our individuality. I have become an advocate for public education and intellectual freedom; affordable, accessible healthcare that is medically, not politically, determined; equality and justice; and the workforce supports (childcare, affordable housing, etc.) that working families deserve. People that came before me spoke up and demanded changes that benefit my family every day. I intend to use my voice to ensure that those benefits remain and expand for those that come behind me.
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