Personal

I've called Senate District 15 my home for 29 years and have raised my family here. I have two grown sons, Jordan and Matthew, and I've been married to my husband, Tony for 31 years. As we grew as a family, I knew the importance of staying in a community that promotes engagement, respect, and inclusion. My two boys took different pathways through their education, and that is why I am such a proponent for career exposure at a young age. One went through the university system to become a special education teacher, and the other went the trade pathway and now has a very strong career, with room to grow. Both occupations are great careers, and we must be doing everything we can as a state to promote students finding their path and encouraging them to pursue it. It is vitally important for our economy and future workforce.

Occupation

I work for Vernier Software & Technology, a Washington County educational technology company that provides opportunities for STEM education across the state and internationally. I have been at Vernier for 25 years and love the work I do. I feel fortunate to work for a company that allows me the flexibility in my work schedule to serve my community as a legislator. 

Civic Engagement

Prior to being appointed as the Senator in Senate District 15, I was elected in 2016 as the House District 30 Representative. I served on the Hillsboro School Board from 2009-2017, and continue to serve on the Career and College pathways steering committee. These experiences have allowed me to be heavily involved in what I call a model for the state as to how a school district can work with local business and industry to help students find their career path from an early age and explore it through their schooling.  I have been a Meals on Wheels volunteer for over 10 years, delivering meals and calling homebound seniors each week to do well-check visits. I also serve on the Advisory Board of the local Hillsboro Center. These experiences have given me a purpose for civic engagement and I couldn't be prouder to be your Senator in Senate District 15. I pride myself on being accessible and hope that you will reach out and get involved in the legislative process.​

Events

Watch my newsletter for upcoming events.  

Legislative Accomplishments:

​​HCR 17:​  In memoriam: Alter Wiener, 1926-2018. (2019)

SB 664:​  Requires school districts to provide instruction about Holocaust and genocide beginning with 2020-2021 school year.​ (2019)

HB 2509:​  Sustainable Shopping Initiative: Prohibits retail establishments from providing single-use checkout bags to customers, except in certain cases. (2019)

HB 3408:  Woodstove Exchange Program: Appropriates moneys from General Fund to Department of Environmental Quality for deposit in Residential Solid Fuel Heating Air Quality Improvement Fund to fund community efforts to promote economic development and improve public health by reducing emissions from solid fuel burning devices that burn wood. (2019)

HB 4145: Closed the domestic partner loophole, no longer allowing those who were convicted of domestic violence to be able to own a firearm. (2018)

HB 4053: Requires the Chief Education Office to prepare a report on accelerated, and dual credit programs in high school, with the hopes that we will be able to address the growing student debt by encouraging students to take these classes in high school for college credit at a much lower cost. (2018)

HB 4074: Escheats saving bonds into unclaimed property for an easier method to claim, as well as, allows the state to collect interest on these bonds that help fund our schools through the common school fund. (2018)

HB 2246: Allocated $170 million to the High School Graduation and College and Career Readiness Fund. Formally known as Measure 98, these funds have allowed school districts to invest in Career & Technical Education programs. (2017)

HB 2661: Establishes stronger regulations of long-term care referral companies that will help protect our most vulnerable seniors. (2017)