A little bit about me... 

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME:

I'm often asked about my stance on banning books or "changing the review process."

First and foremost, the professional library staff is in charge of buying books for our community and we have a robust acquisition policy in place. The main roles of a library trustee are to evaluate the library director, approve the budget and big ticket items, and set & review policies.

Personally, I'm firmly against banning books. There's room on the shelf for everyone's story, and every person in our community should have the opportunity to see themselves in books. We are fortunate in this country to have the freedom and responsibility to choose which books we want to read for ourselves. Parents have the right AND the responsibility to decide which books are appropriate for their children, and only their children.

EXPERIENCE:

• Two-term public library trustee in Dedham, Massachusetts: 

  • Retained the library’s state accreditation after the financial crisis in 2008.

  • Spearheaded campaign to modernize the library's branding and expand community outreach. 

  • Co-founded the Dedham Library Innovation Team (DLIT), which received the Massachusetts Library Advocacy Award from the Massachusetts Library Association in 2015.

  • Maintained strong fiscal management and strategic growth to keep our library nimble and vibrant, with materials and resources that meet the needs of all residents.

  • M.B.A. from Northeastern University and years of professional experience in marketing and communications within companies like GE Financial (now Genworth).

  • Committed to ensuring our library continues to thrive while remaining fiscally responsible.

  • Personally frugal: still driving my 2011 Honda Odyssey, and hoping she'll make it through the next six years while we pay for college tuition ;-)

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:

I've been an active volunteer in the Barrington area for the past 10 years:

• As a mom of three (two are graduates of St. Anne's and Barrington High School, and my youngest is a junior at the high school), I've been an active member with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, BHS Soccer Boosters and numerous PTOs: St. Anne's, Lines Elementary, Station Middle School, and Barrington High School. 

• Marketing volunteer with BStrongTogether, a local 501c3 that collaborates with local schools and organizations to enhance the health and well-being of Barrington area children and youth from early childhood through high school and beyond.

• Alpine Runners of Lake Zurich Board Member since 2021. 

• Volunteer with Barrington Giving Day, helping to create displays to connect books with readers.

• Volunteer with BeSmart, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes secure gun storage and helps to distribute free gun locks.

• In these roles with BeStrong, Alpine Runners and BeSmart, I’ve organized community events, fundraisers, and initiatives that foster connection and address important local issues.