My decision to run for State Representative wasn’t made overnight. It was shaped by some of the most challenging, humbling, and meaningful moments of my life—as a mother, a healthcare provider, a caregiver, and an advocate.

Early in my third trimester with my son, my world changed in an instant. A serious complication meant he had to be delivered 10 weeks early. Instead of bringing home a healthy newborn, we spent nearly three months in the NICU. As a neonatal nurse practitioner, I cared for countless families in similar situations. Suddenly, I was one of them.

I was fortunate. My employer and colleagues supported me and covered my shifts while I was away. My family helped when my son finally came home. Even so, I had to use my paid time off to continue receiving a paycheck while caring for him. My later pregnancies were also high-risk and required extended bed rest, resulting in even more time away from work.

Those experiences changed me. They also deepened my understanding of what so many Indiana families face every day.

Throughout my career as a neonatal nurse practitioner, I have sat beside parents facing impossible choices. Should they use their leave while their baby is in the NICU? Save it for when their baby finally comes home? Try to stretch a few weeks of leave to cover months of uncertainty? Too many parents return to work while their child is still hospitalized because they can’t afford not to. Too many families are forced to choose between being present for their children and keeping the health insurance that pays for their care.  No parent should have to make that choice.

I have also experienced our healthcare system from another perspective—as a caregiver for someone I loved. Toward the end of his life, my grandfather needed around-the-clock care. Our family did everything we could to keep him at home. We rearranged schedules, rotated responsibilities, and showed up for one another because we knew how important it was to him.  One day, my grandfather looked at his nurse and said, “My family takes good care of me.”  We didn’t have much time with him after that. But those words have stayed with me.  They reminded me that being present matters. Being able to care for the people we love matters. Knowing that someone feels safe, valued, and cared for during their most vulnerable moments matters.  Every family deserves that opportunity.

No one should have to choose between caring for a newborn, supporting a sick parent, being present during a medical crisis, or keeping a roof over their head. We can build policies that support families through childbirth, adoption, illness, caregiving, and end-of-life care. These are not unrealistic goals. They are priorities—and they should be treated as such.

Indiana currently has a budget surplus of approximately $2.5 billion, yet too often state leaders choose to cut programs and resources rather than invest in the services families need.

Education is another reason I am running.  Public education helped shape my family. My husband and grandparents were public school teachers. My mother has dedicated more than 30 years to serving students in a variety of roles. Like so many Hoosier families, my family’s story is deeply connected to our public schools.  I loved school. I had teachers who sparked my curiosity, encouraged creativity, and helped me discover my strengths. They gave me the freedom to explore different interests and imagine different possibilities for my future.  Too many students today are being asked to narrow those possibilities too soon. As early as eighth grade, students are expected to make decisions that can shape the direction of their futures. At the same time, local schools have lost decision-making authority, and educators have lost the flexibility they need to meet students where they are.  I believe our children deserve better.

I want our communities to thrive.   I want students to have the freedom to explore different subjects, careers, and opportunities. I want healthcare to be accessible and affordable. I want families to have the time and support they need to care for one another during life’s most important moments.  Most of all, I want an Indiana where people come first.  That is why I am running for State Representative.  I believe Indiana can do better. I believe every family deserves the opportunity to succeed, to care for one another, and to build a brighter future.

If you share my vision of an Indiana that puts families first, supports public education, and ensures access to affordable healthcare, I would be honored to earn your vote. I hope you’ll join me in making that vision a reality.  The path to better begins with the priorities we choose – together.