Having lived and worked my entire life in western Nebraska, I appreciate the values of rural America and believe in working to preserve those values. I am a fourth-generation Nebraskan and grew up on a small family farm in Box Butte County. My firsthand knowledge of people who share in the challenges facing rural Nebraska motivates me to try and make a difference.

Recently, I retired from a wonderful 39-year career in public education, where I had the opportunity to be a teacher, principal, and a superintendent. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Chadron State College, an education specialist degree from Wayne State College, and I’m working on finishing my doctorate from Doane University.

I was fortunate to grow up with three brothers on our farm. Our parents had the four of us within five years, so we were and still are very close. Being the only girl, I learned to enjoy Nebraska football and other sports. My brothers and I are all first-generation college graduates, something our parents were very proud of, and part of the reason I went into education.

Even though I live "way out west" in Gordon, Nebraska, my family and I still find opportunities to get together to cheer on the Huskers or take part in other activities. I recently went to coffee roasting school in Seattle and have started roasting coffee in my garage.