After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Notre Dame, Sarah spent four years working in scientific publishing in Washington, DC. She then earned a MS in Horticulture from Virginia tech, working with the state viticulturalist. Her love of learning and passion for the science of agriculture led her to Oregon in 2000. She earned a PhD in Horticulture from Oregon State University with research focused on sustainable orchard management practices. Among her favorite opportunities as a graduate student were visiting vineyards and orchards across Oregon and learning from farmers. Although she did not come to Oregon planning to stay, Sarah found a community and her husband, Brian, in Corvallis, and has made Oregon her home.
Since finishing her PhD, Sarah has worked with students in OSU's Horticulture Department. She was a trusted advisor, supporting non-traditional students in the online horticulture degree program. Many of her students juggled work, family commitments, and the challenges of paying for college. The best part of her job was helping her students reach their goals and take pride in their accomplishments. She saw that earning a degree opened possibilities for students and their families.
Her journey into politics began after the tragic Sandy Hook shooting, when she promised her son that she would work to make things better. Writing letters to elected officials quickly transitioned into organizing her community to make change. She was a founding member of the Oregon chapter of Moms Demand Action and serves on the board of the Alliance for a Safe Oregon.
Driven by her desire to remove barriers for underserved families and ensure her own children's privilege didn't isolate them from the challenges others face, Sarah ran for a seat on the local school board. Her belief in equal access to education and her commitment to addressing barriers beyond the classroom were the motivation behind her run. Her experience on the school board then inspired her to run for the Oregon House of Representatives, where she could address issues impacting Oregon families, drawing from both her personal and professional experiences.
A mother of two teenagers and partner to her husband Brian, Sarah is driven by the goal of creating a safe, stable, and affordable world for her children and their peers. Much of what she does can be traced back to her experience as a parent and conversations with her kids. The family tradition of lively debates and hard-hitting questions is alive and well at the dinner table.
Sarah is committed to long-term solutions to the problems facing Oregonians, not just quick fixes. As a scientist, she applies a problem-solving approach rooted in evidence and logic. As a cancer survivor, she understands the importance of supportive communities, affordable healthcare, and stable housing. She believes all Oregonians should have access to the same support that helped her through her cancer journey.
Sarah remains dedicated to serving her community—addressing state-level issues while also advocating for the needs of District 16. She is committed to ensuring that all Oregonians, no matter their background, can thrive in a stable, supportive, and safe environment.
