My Story

I grew up in rural Wisconsin in a hardworking family of entrepreneurs. My parents owned several small businesses, including shoe stores and sporting goods stores, where I learned the value of hard work, customer service, and giving back to the community. I spent countless hours working in our family businesses and on the basketball court. Basketball became an important part of my life, leading me to compete at the state and national levels. To live independently and put myself through college, I worked multiple jobs while earning a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from North Dakota State University and later a Master of Science in Community Health from Minnesota State University - Mankato.

Faribault has been my home since 1999. My husband, Kurt, works for Hometown Credit Union, and together we share a commitment to community service and philanthropy. Between us, we have two children and two dogs who keep life busy and joyful. We enjoy traveling, volunteering, spending time with family and friends, and taking our classic cars and vintage camper on new adventures. Faribault is where I chose to build my life, career, and community connections, and I remain grateful to call it home.

For more than 30 years, I have worked in healthcare, public health, nonprofit organizations, higher education, and local government. My connection to Faribault began during graduate school when I completed an internship with the City of Faribault Parks and Recreation Department. I later served as a Health Educator and Program Coordinator for Rice County Public Health for nearly eight years. I spent ten years with Allina Health, including serving as Regional Director of Community Benefit and Engagement and leading the Owatonna Hospital Foundation. Today, I serve as a Public Health Supervisor for Scott County, where I continue to work with communities, organizations, and local leaders to improve quality of life and address complex challenges.

Since moving to Faribault, I have believed that strong communities are built through service and involvement. Over the years, I have served on numerous boards, committees, and community initiatives, including the United Way of Faribault Board of Directors, Healthy Community Initiative Board, Faribault Public Schools Community Education Advisory Board, Rice County Opioid Response Council, Faribault Youth Investment Advisory Committee, Rotary Club of Faribault, Community Action Center of Faribault, Faribault Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Blandin Community Leadership Program among many others. These experiences have allowed me to work alongside incredible people who care deeply about Faribault and have reinforced my belief that lasting progress happens when communities come together around a shared vision.