⭐️ I would consider it an honor to serve our area as state representative. I am a lifelong resident of District 27.

⭐️ During my growing up years, I went to school at Izard County Consolidated and graduated from there in 2008 as an Honor Graduate. I was involved in a lot of activities in school - basketball, baseball, cross country and chess were my major interests. I was fortunate to be a member of a regional championship baseball team, a state championship basketball team and four state championship chess teams. That is kind of an unusual combination but I enjoyed the competition in both athletics and academics. I also had a strong interest in technology growing up. My parents bought their first computer when I was 10, and before long, I became fascinated by technology, especially computers, which has not changed. After high school, I decided to focus on an education degree because I was blessed with having some great teachers in school, and I wanted to make a difference in our young people’s lives. My teachers had a significant impact on my life and who I am today and I have always wanted to help others. We are so blessed in this area with great schools and great colleges.

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⭐️ I graduated from Arkansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in mid-level education and later I obtained a master’s degree in educational leadership from ASU. As you can probably guess, I began my career as a teacher. In 2012, I was hired by Izard County School District to teach 7-8 grade science and assist in our technology department. Every decision I have ever made in a school district, I begin by asking myself the question, how does this help our students?
In 2014, our technology coordinator retired and I became the technology coordinator for the Izard County Consolidated School District.

⭐️ I really enjoyed that position until I accepted a position in 2018 with the Arkansas Department of Education as a Digital Learning Support Specialist. I am very fortunate that this state position allows me to work out of the Northcentral Arkansas Educational Co-op located in Melbourne and the Ozarks Unlimited Resources Educational Co-op located in Harrison. This position is a combination of education and technology. This job was an opportunity for me to combine both of my passions into one job. In a nutshell, my department helps schools and teachers use technology in the classroom.

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⭐️ What I did not know at the time was that this was the beginning of my interest in serving as our area’s state representative. While working for the Department of Education, I have noticed that our schools are often overlooked in state decisions. The focus seems to be more on our state’s larger more urban school districts and not our smaller more rural districts. When decisions are made, it appears to me that the state often forgets the #1 question, how does this help our children? Our schools sometimes do not fare well in state decisions because we are a rural area and have a smaller population base than our urban areas of the state. As a result, our schools and students often suffer the consequences of these political battles. To clarify, I do not blame the Department of Education. Most of the decisions that are made come from higher ups or laws are passed that force their hand. I think my unique understanding of this process will help me be a voice for our constituents in Little Rock. This is not just about education. The same things happen in other areas as well such as our local cities, fire departments, law enforcement, hospitals, senior centers, and farmers. I think my background positions me well to be able to be a strong voice in Little Rock for my constituents.

 

⭐️ I care about this district, and I want to be a strong advocate for this district in any way I can. I have decided to enter this race because I have a strong desire to be the kind of state representative that our area deserves and expects. I am not in this race for ego or trying to get a better job. I have a good job already and my job allows me to have the flexibility to be able to work hard and spend the time necessary to be the kind of state representative that our district deserves.

⭐️ I believe the primary purpose of a state representative is to represent the wishes of the people of his or her district. I believe I can do that well. This is my first political race and I have been motivated to run because I think I have a lot to offer this district.

⭐️ I believe it is important to have a state representative who is accessible to his or her constituents. I will make my cell phone number available and will welcome input from the people of my district. I will have a presence in this area, not just at parades or political events. I enjoy visiting schools and other local events. I believe I can be the kind of state representative that our area needs.

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⭐️ After conducting a teacher workshop a few years ago, I had a comment made to me that I never thought about until after the fact. After I concluded the workshop, a teacher came up to me and thanked me for being personable and easy to talk to. This meant more to me than any feedback I have ever received after conducting a workshop. Being a state representative should be no different. We should be easy to talk to. This shows that we care about our area and the people we serve. An example of this relates to a story my parents told me while I was growing up about a longtime former state legislator. For many, many years, this area was represented by John E. Miller and his influence was felt statewide. His influence on our area was not the thing about him that stuck with me the most. It was how well he worked with people. No matter who you were, he would always take the time to speak with you. When my Dad was a civics teacher, he would ask John E. Miller to come by once a year to talk with his civics class, and every year he would find time to do so. It is the little things like this that show who cares about our area.

⭐️ I will be running as a Republican in the May, 2022 Republican Primary. I support the 2nd amendment rights, and I believe in conservative principles.

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⭐️ I will be a huge supporter of our law enforcement, fire departments, hospitals, senior centers, educators, and farmers and I will always do what I can for them. Anyone who does not support these groups needs to take a moment and think of what our area would be like without these people in our lives. No one to call when we are in danger, need help, or require care. If we are trapped in a burning house, involved in an accident, or a threat outside our house, we have a great group of people that will be there to help us. We can still count on them even when it puts them in danger to assist us. Some do it as a volunteer or with little pay, but all do it because they want to help make our area safe. It does not go unnoticed.