Running for a seat on the Puyallup School Board was a hint of an idea for a future someday, but the external call and encouragement from others helped me see that this is the moment to take my passion and advocacy for our schools to the next level. I can’t fix the world’s problems, but I do have the power to start here – in the community where I live and the schools where I send my kids – to make a difference.
My mom was an elementary teacher and I remember her grading papers on the weekend, going to bargaining meetings with her union, and the thrill of getting to help her put up bulletin boards as she prepared her classroom each August. My pretend play of choice was ‘school’ and I usually roped my little brother into being my student while I lived out my teacher dreams. My parents always voted to support schools and the value of public education for all was one that our family held dearly.
Born and raised just down I-5 in Tumwater, WA, I attended public schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade. My first foray into electoral politics was when I served as ASB President during my 8th grade year. My school experiences were positively shaped by the wonderful teachers that I had over the years. Their dedication, care, and creativity helped me excel and prepared me for my own personal path to success. It is my wish that every student has a teacher that inspires their love of learning!
I attended Pacific Lutheran University and graduated with a BA in Political Science. My final semester was spent in Olympia, working full time as a Legislative Intern at the House of Representatives. I loved being in/near the ‘room where it happens’ and the chance to see first-hand the power of citizen engagement in the legislative process. I was hired on at the House shortly after graduation and spent the next couple of years helping run the Legislative Intern Program and being a Committee Assistant for the Finance and Capital Budget Committees. This work took me all over the state interviewing students at our colleges and universities and taught me the intricacies of the state budget process.
I left the workforce for a bit to start my family. My husband, Kyle, and I settled in Puyallup in 2007 after getting married and we were grateful to be in a community with good schools for our future kids. Our first child started at Fruitland Elementary in 2015 and I have been a PTA member, classroom volunteer, and generally involved parent ever since. Linnea will attend Puyallup High School in the fall and Connor will be in 6th grade at Fruitland.
My career pivoted during my season of raising small children and I have spent the past decade working in non-profit development. I have worked at the Point Defiance Zoo Society, Hilltop Artists, and currently for the MultiCare Foundations. Connecting donor generosity into the important work of local organizations is extremely fulfilling and confirms my belief that our communities thrive when we get involved!
I care deeply about the success of our public schools and have demonstrated my support over the last almost-20 years of living in Puyallup by being a regular attendee at Board Meetings, a vocal advocate of school funding measures, a member of the 2024 Puyallup Bond Advisory Committee (BAC), and the 2025 co-chair of the Vote Yes for Puyallup Schools Committee.
Serving on the BAC was a fascinating experience and deepened my resolve to be an advocate for our schools. Even though we weren’t quite able to get the Bond measure over the finish line, I am proud of the work the citizens committee did to activate our community in support of our schools and earn a supermajority approval at the ballot box in both February and April. Our students and teachers deserve updated and modern facilities that have room for every kid and I will keep working to advocate for the critical facility needs in our district.
In my free time, I can often be found chauffeuring the kids to various activities, reading a book, and getting involved with some committee. I love musical theater, chocolate chip cookies, cheering on my favorite teams, dance parties, and reminding people to vote. Our family attends Peace Lutheran Church in downtown Puyallup and my faith inspires my advocacy for my community and care for all. My family and friends are so important to me and I’m thankful for a wonderful village that is supporting me on this campaign adventure!
My strong connection to our community, career experiences, and demonstrated support for Puyallup schools makes me an ideal candidate for the Puyallup School Board. My kids and your kids deserve to thrive at school. Please join me in standing up for students, educators, and Puyallup schools. I would be thrilled to have your vote!
Do you want to endorse me? I would love to add your name to my list of supporters.
