I grew up in a small town outside of Salem, attending Oregon public schools from elementary through high school.

I’ve always loved Oregon’s green spaces, stunning coastline, and especially our Twilight-esque rainy autumn season! Though the military took me elsewhere, I always knew I’d make it back home to Oregon someday. When that time came, my family chose to settle down in Springfield after falling in love with its quirky small town charm and Simpsons connection.

My stepfather was a Marine veteran. My uncle is an Air Force veteran. My grandfather and great-grandfather were Army veterans. I rounded out the bunch by joining the US Navy after high school, serving four years as a Cryptologic Technician.

While on active-duty, I earned Navy Volunteer of the Year at the joint forces base I was stationed on, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM), President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award, and a Unit Commendation Medal for Excellent Leadership from the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps, a military youth organization I volunteered with.

In June 2026, I graduated with honors from Lane Community College with an Associates of General Studies. In the winter, I am transferring to the University of Oregon for a Bachelors in Political Science. Go Ducks!

As neither of my parents were able to attend college, it is an honor to be a first-generation college student in my thirties!

I also value non-traditional learning and completed a fellowship at the Sutton Leadership Institute in 2021, certified as a Lane County Master Recycler in 2025, and graduated from the Eugene Clean Energy Leadership Institute in 2026.

After leaving the military, I opened Hippie Haven, a low-waste refillery store and community space. Unfortunately it didn’t survive the pandemic-era challenges. I also started a houseplant shop and sold it less than a year later when I moved away - it’s still in operation under its new owners to this day!

These experiences taught me a great deal about the highs and lows of running a business. I have tremendous respect for all small business owners and enjoy supporting local businesses.

Since 2024, I’ve been proud to work at the Springfield Eugene Tenant Association, where I help tenants understand their rights and responsibilities under state and local laws. Our work to prevent evictions and homelessness helps reduce downstream costs to public systems. I also enjoy leading SETA’s community outreach and fundraising events!

In 2025, I was appointed by the Springfield City Council to serve on our Planning Commission, which is a volunteer board that shapes the city's future by advising on long-range land use, zoning, and development. Being on the Planning Commission has already given me first-hand experience working with city staff, reviewing city code, and considering our city goals when making decisions about Springfield’s future.

When the Mayor’s Fiscal Stability Task Force recommended a 22% reduction of our public library’s budget, myself and a group of concerned library lovers began an 8-month-long campaign to raise awareness of and hopefully prevent these budget cuts. Our initiative was supported by over a dozen community organizations and well-reported in the local news. Ultimately, the library’s FY27 budget was cut by 14%, resulting in the layoff of the Teen Librarian and the closure of the library on Sundays and Mondays.

Libraries and literacy are very important to me, and I will continue to fight for a long-term funding solution for our public library!

As a Lane County CHIC member, I help guide the development and implementation of Live Healthy Lane’s 2026-2030 Community Health Improvement Plan, which identifies key priorities and strategies to improve health conditions for all residents of Lane County.