Philosophy of Education: A positive culture and climate are the heart of improvement and growth.  It is our responsibility to provide our students with the knowledge and skills necessary for further education, employment, and responsible citizenship.  

Background: I have lived in the West Valley for more than twenty years. My husband and I had the joy of raising our two sons in this wonderful community where they attended our local elementary schools and graduated from Verrado High School.  I received a Master of Educational Leadership from Arizona State University.  I joined the Litchfield ESD in 2004 as a special education teacher, shortly after that I began moving into leadership roles at the district level. In 2010, I was given the unique and amazing opportunity to be the planning principal and open a new school, Mabel Padgett Elementary School, where I was the Principal for 8 years. Before I retired from Litchfield in 2023 I was the Executive Director of Programs and Instruction.  I believe my various roles throughout 30 years in education and my seven years as a governing board member allow me to see a wide variety of perspectives needed in planning and decision making in the current state of education today.

Goal for Agua Fria School District:  As a former parent in the district with a 30 year background in education, I am very invested in our community and students we serve. I see myself as a liaison between the community and AFHS district. It takes a collaborative effort from teachers, parents, board members, administrators, students, and community members to have a successful district that provides an excellent environment for teaching and learning.  I plan to continue to provide teachers and administrators with the tools and resources they need to ensure the success of all of our students in a continually growing, diverse school district despite limited school funding.

Board Term: January 2021 – December 2024

Philosophy of Education: I believe all students deserve opportunities and promising futures that education provides. As our workforce continues to evolve, it is our responsibility to ensure that our students are prepared to achieve their goals and reach their potential.

Background: I have 25 years of experience in education as a practitioner. I have been a teacher, coach, mentor, assistant principal, and director of curriculum and instruction, with the first fifteen years of my career in the classroom.  I have worked in the Agua Fria Union High District, and my children attend school in the district. With my experiences in education as a professional, parent, and community member, I look forward to making informed decisions with students and community in mind.

Goal for Agua Fria Union High School District: As a community, we have high expectations for our schools, and I am excited to support the district’s strategic plan in order to provide the best education and opportunities for all students. As we continue to improve, I look forward to Agua Fria Union High Schools being recognized for distinction at the state and national level.

Board Term: January 2023 – December 2026

Philosophy of Education: It is our responsibility to provide our students with the resources necessary to learn, grow, and position themselves for future success, so they can become responsible and productive citizens in our community.

Background: I am a 2005 graduate of Millennium High School. I then joined the United States Army where I served along the DMZ in Korea before being deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting over 100 time-sensitive combat raids on high-value targets. Since being honorably discharged from active duty, I have worked extensively in public affairs and public policy, including jobs in Washington DC for a member of the US House of Representatives, and here in Arizona for the Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives. My wife and I live in Goodyear, where we are raising our young children.

Goal for Agua Fria Union High School District: As a graduate of the district, and the parent of multiple children who will eventually be attending school within the district, I will be committed to ensuring the long-term attractiveness and success for the district. It is vital we ensure every student leaves our district prepared to enter the workforce or continue their education, with the tools necessary to achieve future success.

Board Term: January 2021 – December 2024

Philosophy of Education: As our students prepare for college, careers, occupations, trade school, apprenticeships and more, they are being led by an exceptional group of teachers, staff and administrators. As a parent of students in the district, I have seen their dedication firsthand. Each student has all of the potential in the world and with hard work they can accomplish anything.

Background: During the past 28 years, I have dedicated my life to the service of students in K-12 public education. My experience includes being a Teacher, Varsity Athletic Coach, Instructional Coach, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Principal, and District Administrator. Before moving to the area, I also served as a Planning & Zoning Commissioner in Surprise. Our family resides in Litchfield Park and enjoys life in the Valley. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, we moved to Arizona to be with family and experience the great quality of life the area offers.

Goals for the district: I am interested in seeing the continued successful operation of the district but to also guide important initiatives that will help our students even more. My focus will be on student learning, strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, eliminating the overcrowding of our schools and creating the very best environment for student success.

Board Term: January 2023 – December 2026