I am deeply honored to now serve as a member of the Maplewood Township Committee. As a 10+ year resident of this wonderful community, I am proud to call Maplewood home. I’ve been married for 16+ years to a West Orange native, and together we’re raising two children, along with our two dogs.

Although I consider myself a Jersey Girl, I was born and raised in Kailua, Hawaii, where my family’s diverse background and experiences shaped my perspective. My mother, a Latina of Mexican and Aztec/Apache descent, taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, while my father, a white Midwesterner and military veteran, instilled in me the importance of community. Growing up, I learned early on how to embrace our differences and navigate a world that wasn’t always understanding of our unique family dynamic.

Community service has always been an integral part of my life. From volunteering in high school, building homes in Mexico, to serving on the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) for six years, I’ve worked hard to support my neighbors and make a difference in the lives of others. I’ve been honored to help lead various community initiatives, including serving as a class parent, Tuscan Show director, and Girl Scout leader, as well as working on the Maplewood Pool Advisory Committee to increase access and affordability for all residents.

I’ve spent the past several years advocating for neurodivergent and disabled children and families, ensuring they are included in Maplewood’s programs and events. I have also been committed to common-sense gun safety reforms through my work with Moms Demand Action and am proud to be endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety as a Gunsense candidate. As your elected representative, I will continue to push for restorative justice, community conversations, and policies that foster a safer, more inclusive town for all.

With a background in journalism, including 17 years reporting for The Associated Press and Gannett/USA Today, I have developed a strong sense of accountability and a deep commitment to transparency. My experience as a freelance writer also keeps me engaged with local issues, allowing me to stay connected with the community I serve.

Maplewood has given my family and me a sense of belonging, and I am committed to ensuring that every resident feels welcome and heard. I believe in the power of community and the importance of representing diverse voices at the table.

As a member of the Township Committee, I will continue to bring my dedication to service, my experience as an advocate, and my commitment to inclusion. I will work tirelessly to address the needs of our community and ensure Maplewood remains a place where everyone feels accepted, supported, and proud to call home.

Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. I look forward to working with all of you to make Maplewood an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.