| After serving as a music teacher at a Title I school, an independent musician, a stay-at-home dad, and a church musician, my spouse Stacey and I moved from Atlanta to Fort Collins, Colorado in 2009. My passion for justice & equity coupled with my love of grass-roots community organizing led me to invest deeply in our community and complete my Master's Degree (M.Div.) from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO in 2013.
Born in Holland, MI, I grew up just a stone's throw away from the shores of Lake Michigan. I was raised in a family that included public school employees, teachers, veterans and law enforcement officers. I am also proud of a family heritage that includes generations of farmers - people who know the importance of growing healthy food for their neighbors and community.
I spent my childhood and teenage years sailing on Lake Michigan, exploring parks and forests, and riding my bike anywhere it would take me. One of those kids who couldn't stop beating on pots and pans, I received my Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from Western Michigan University in 2001. I love playing drums and the marimba (and also the pots and pans) with my three children to this day.
After completing my graduate studies, I was ordained as a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Serving as a pastor and mission developer (church planter), I spent the past several years developing and launching open and affirming communities of faith in the form of house churches - working in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley to plant progressive, justice oriented communities of faith where all are welcome. At present, I am pleased to serve as the Director for Annual Giving & Stewardship at The Institute for Shipboard Education | Semester at Sea - raising funds for scholarships to empower students to broaden their horizons as they experience and learn from the rich diversity of the wider world. I have spent over a decade working in community organizing, public speaking, writing, advocacy, and volunteering within our community. I also serve on the Larimer County Interagency Oversight Group (LCIOG) board, and serve as a Precinct Committee Person (PCP) for the Larimer County Democrats. I have also organized an annual fundraiser for childhood hunger (Hops for Hunger), volunteered in our public schools, established close and working relationships with area businesses and nonprofits, and worked to advance LGBTQQIA rights within the church.I am a seasoned campaigner and have always worked to elect progressive candidates for a variety of positions in our community, from school board to state representative. Most recently, I managed the Jody Shadduck-McNally campaign for Larimer County Commissioner, winning that race with 53% of the vote and helping to elect the first woman in District 3. I was also a part of the lead team for John Kefalas' county commissioner campaign - helping to flip the District 1 seat in 2018.
I know how important it is for a candidate to listen to voters. If elected, I will continue to build consensus and trust while learning and leading on the issues that are most important to our community. I have been a frequent keynote speaker at political rallies, advocating in support of single-payer healthcare, immigrants, refugees, transparency and accountability in government, and civil rights.
I have served as the master of ceremonies at the Larimer County Democrats Annual Dinner, Fort Collins Peace Festival, and the Larimer County Democrats Annual Picnic. I have also facilitated conversations in support of the Larimer County Behavioral Health Initiative (1A), as well as Improved Medicare for All discussions throughout Larimer County. I helped to organize a campaign in support of term-limits in Larimer County, and have frequently been published in our local newspaper. I love knocking on doors, meeting new people, and listening to the concerns, ideas and hopes of people in our community. I am honored to serve as your State Representative for House District 53. |