Usha has lived in Manhattan for more than 28 years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Developmental Psychology from Ohio State University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Kansas State University. She taught 1st grade for over 10 years and is currently on a leave of absence from Manhattan-Ogden USD383. She and her husband, Brian, have four adult children- Ben, Ravi, Sri and Santhi. Usha has been an active community member- Justice Involved Youth and Adults Governor's Subcommittee, 2015-Present National Association of Mental Illness Board of Directors, 2015-Present Riley County Mental Health Task Force, 2017-Present Friends of McCain Board of Directors, 2015-Present Flint Hills National Association of Mental Illness, 2015-Present American Association for University Women Executive Committee2014-Present Konza Manhattan Rotary - 2011-Present League of Women Voters, 2010-Present Manhattan Public Library, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2016-2017, 2020 Manhattan Chamber of Commerce ex-officio, 2017, 2020 Riley County Police Department Law Board, 2015-2019 Ogden Site Council, 2012-2019 Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization, 2015-2017 Flint Hills Regional Transit Administration, 2015-2017 Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau Steering Committee, 2016-2017 Manhattan Housing Authority, 2012-2014 President of National Education Association Manhattan-Ogden, 2008-2010 Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Diversity Commission, 2004-2008