Navigating self-directed services should feel empowering, flexible, and centered around what matters most to your family

My Journey & Philosophy
Growing up in the Twin Cities, I’ve always been fascinated by how individuals, families, and policy systems interconnect. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota, setting a deliberate path to dedicate my entire career to supporting families across Minnesota. My hands-on experience started early—helping a neighbor in a wheelchair during my youth, followed by my first formal role as a behavioral therapist for children on the autism spectrum. Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of coordinating federal and state benefits, supporting individuals across every stage of life—from toddlers to members of the Silent Generation—primarily throughout Anoka, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties.

A Lifelong Passion for Self-Direction
My commitment to Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) runs deep because I’ve experienced its transformational power from every vantage point: As Direct Care Staff: Long before entering county administration, I worked directly on a family’s CDCS plan. I witnessed firsthand how a mother used the flexibility of CDCS to build a tailored support ecosystem—incorporating music therapy, horse therapy, adaptive equipment, and competitive staff pay—allowing her child and family to thrive. As a County Subject Matter Expert: Most recently serving as the CDCS Subject Matter Expert for Dakota County, I’ve worked with self-directed programs in every capacity—Support Planner, plan approver, administrative lead, and program innovator. Policy & Program Expertise: Beyond CDCS, I bring deep knowledge of Minnesota's self-directed landscape, including CFSS (Community First Services and Supports), CSG (Consumer Support Grant), and FSG (Family Support Grant). Whether walking you through the CDCS process step-by-step or identifying allowable, creative expenditures within state policy, my focus is always on translating complex guidelines into flexible, practical solutions for your home.

Outside the Office
When I’m not supporting families, my greatest pride is raising my strong, independent daughters and traveling for youth gymnastics, soccer, and volleyball. Number Collector: I have a unique love for numbers! I enjoy hunting at local estate sales for vintage clocks, thermometers, scales, and gauges. (That same passion makes me a natural fit as Treasurer on my local Union board!) MN Sports Fan: I have a healthy, lifelong obsession with Joe Mauer and the Minnesota Twins. At Home: Proud companion to gray cats.