What I Will Fight For:
Our kids' future is our country's future. I want to make sure we are giving Volusia's kids the best education possible. Our students must be given the knowledge and skills needed to have successful lives.
Every child deserves a quality education and we must work as a community to provide that for them.
To do this I will fight for:
- Vocational training options that prepare our kids with in-demand and real world workforce preparedness.
- Dedicated, effective resources for Special Education students and for those struggling with emotional and/or mental health-related issues.
- Strong, competitive compensation, a safe workplace, and a respectful professional culture to attract and retain the highest quality educators and staff.
- Parental rights to be informed and consulted on all aspects of their child's education and development.
- Fiscal accountability and transparency to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively. We must make sure the money is being used appropriately and with great care.
- Gifted programs in all elementary schools. High-performing children should not be shipped to other schools to get gifted services. Our community should foster excellent academic opportunities in all our schools.
I believe in a common sense education, one that mergers the classics of old-reading writing arithmetic, with the standard of new-science, engineering, art, technology and design.
I believe that every issue is not black and white and that we must use logic and reason to come to the best solutions.
I believe that we have a strong community of educators, business owners, charitable organizations, parents, students and community groups that want to work together to make Volusia the A+ standard of Florida schools.
Who am I and why am I the best choice for our kids?
I'm a proud mom, wife, friend and businesswoman with a life mission of helping people reach their highest potential.
As the first person in my family to graduate college, I know firsthand how important education is in shaping a child's future. A strong educational foundation coupled with parental rights being protected is the best way to help our kids have the skills they need to lead exceptional lives.
I have started numerous successful companies and have found that many graduates entering the workforce are not prepared for the "real" world. We need a champion for our children, a proven leader with a strong track record. I will fight to get all available resources for Volusia's kids. Every child, regardless of ability or socio-economic status, should have a fighter in their corner, someone with the skills to make sure Tallahassee funds get to Volusia, to connect the local business community with our schools and to advocate for all children. I am the leader that will be in every child's corner, taking action to make that happen.
With one of the largest budgets in the county, it is imperative that VCPS has board members that clearly and thoroughly understand how to read a budget, financial documents and takes fiduciary responsibility seriously. My early career was in finance where I worked on financial accounts for the National Basketball Association, players on the San Antonio Spurs, Spanx and was part of the distribution team for one of the country's first 529 college savings plans.
As an owner of numerous business, an expert speaker on investing with an Economics degree, I bring a strong understanding of fiscal responsibility. School budgets must be managed appropriately to ensure taxpayer funds are being spent correctly, transparently and in the best way possible for our schools.
Lastly, as a former art teacher, a GACE certification in Special Education, a lifelong partner with the Special Olympics and mother to a child with mental illness, I want to help Volusia County Schools become the gold standard for Florida in addressing issues regarding Special Education students and of those with mental illness.
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Let's make sure every child in Volusia County has access to a quality education!
Site Content
My Business & Education Background
My Business & Education Background
My Business & Education Background
Education:
Double majored finishing 2 degrees in 3 years
Bachelor of Arts: Economics
Bachelor of Arts:
Foreign Languages with a Concentration in French
GACE Certification in Special Education
Art instructor over ten years
Business:
Over the years I have founded, been or am a partner or held an interest in the following businesses:
* Multiple property management companies
* A brewery
* A beverage manufacturing facility
* Art Studios & Franchisor (22 locations)
* Real estate developments & investments
* Women's adventure & leadership company
* Wedding venues
* Hopcycle pedal pub
* Women's financial education program
* Author and speaker on financial topics and leadership
* Real estate holding companies
* Packaging and supply store
* Trucking/hauling company
* Waste removal company
* A ranch and a farm
Community Involvement
My Business & Education Background
My Business & Education Background
Being involved in positive change for the community isn't something new to me...I've been doing it my entire life:
* 30+year volunteer with Special Olympics
* Board Member Daytona Beachside Redevelopment Board
* Board Member Daytona Beach Leisure Services
* Halifax Authority Advertising Committee
* Halifax Authority Travel & Tour Committee
* Board Member The American Red Cross Central Florida
* Board Member The Chase Academy School for Autism
* VRMA Government Affairs Committee
* Boss Lady Community Member Volusia County
* Volusia Women Who Care
* Daytona Chamber of Commerce Member
* Port Orange South Daytona Chamber of Commerce Member
* Member Main Street Merchants Association
* Member of Team Volusia
* Rotarian Daytona Beach Chapter
* Speaker for Junior Achievement
* Participant Principal for a Day
* Member of Hotel & Lodging Association
* Keynote Speaker for the World Language Festival and the Daytona Arts Fest.
* Volunteer with Domestic Abuse Council
* Advocate for Volusia Recovery Alliance
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