My story:

I’m a mom, a nurse, a businesswoman, and a longtime Chester resident. My life and career have been driven by a belief in doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, and a recognition that thinking about the big picture is a critical first step in addressing complex challenges.

Thirty years ago, I founded Corporate Lactation Services because I recognized a serious problem in the US workforce: too many mothers were having to choose between working and being able to breastfeed their babies. Building off my background as a nurse in numerous healthcare settings, I got to work advocating for policy changes at some of the country’s largest employers and finding solutions that allowed mothers to breastfeed without missing opportunities to grow their careers. The first few years were particularly challenging, as many employers were resistant to needed changes, but through years of hard work and growth, CLS has successfully advised numerous health care companies, corporations and individual mothers, assisting more than 50,000 women in their breastfeeding journeys.

Alongside growing and operating CLS, I raised four children, and I’m gratified seeing each of them strive to make the world a better place in their adult lives. Beyond my work and family, I find joy each day in gardening and caring for my dog and two donkeys.

Why I’m running:

I was elected to the Chester Selectboard in 2015, and then to the House of Representatives in 2022. I have also served on the Vermont Economic Progress Council since my appointment by Governor Scott in 2021. Serving my community in each of these roles has been a privilege, and I found that my career experience overcoming adversity, assessing structural issues, and advocating for solutions gave me the tools to address some of my community’s biggest challenges. In the House, I was proud to help craft legislation supporting Vermont families with sustainable public childcare funding through Act 76 and implementing 72-hour gun purchase waiting periods, a commonsense safety measure.

In 2024, I lost one of the closest elections in the state to an opponent who leveraged Vermont’s affordability challenges alongside Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric in our purple House district. Losing this race was disheartening, but it reinforced an important lesson: If Vermont Democrats are going to win seats in challenging races, we can’t shy away from discussing national politics and its clear impacts on Vermonters' lives and our economy. As a candidate for Senate, I’m ready to talk about the destabilizing impacts of federal policies and divisiveness in our community while sharing hope that we can work together for a better Vermont.

I’m proud of my service to my community as a State Representative, Selectboard member, and member of the Vermont Economic Progress Council. Each of these experiences has given me a valuable perspective on the issues facing our state and our region and a richer understanding of the complex work that is needed to ensure every Vermonter has the opportunity to build a healthy, stable, and affordable life for themselves and their families. I know that even amidst today’s immense challenges, a bright future is possible, and I’m ready to take this perspective to Montpelier on behalf of all of Windsor County.