About NSPRA
Become a Member
Webster Groves, Mo.
Each candidate was asked to respond to the following questions. The answers below are presented exactly as submitted, without edits.
Submit one narrative paragraph that provides a brief overview of your career and professional background:
With over a decade of experience in school public relations, I have served in roles that have shaped my ability to lead, collaborate and innovate in our field. As director of communications for Webster Groves School District, I have led efforts to transform district storytelling, community engagement and strategic communication. I have been an active leader within MOSPRA and NSPRA. At MOSPRA, I work alongside school PR professionals to foster professional development, advocate for the importance of school communications and expand opportunities for engagement.
Why did you decide to run for national office and pursue a volunteer leadership position on the NSPRA Executive Board?
I decided to run for national office because I’m passionate about helping our profession grow and adapt. School communication is evolving rapidly and we face challenges that require us to be more strategic, innovative and resilient. I want to help lead NSPRA forward, ensuring it remains a strong resource for professionals navigating these changes. Just as important, I believe in the people who make up NSPRA. The relationships I’ve built through this organization have had a lasting impact on my life and career. I’ve found mentors, friends and collaborators who have helped me grow, helped me during my darkest hours and I’m ready to give back in a meaningful way.
Serving on the executive board would allow me to support members, strengthen connections and help ensure that NSPRA continues to provide the leadership, guidance and community we rely on. I don’t have every answer, but I bring a commitment to listening and being a servant leader. I want to help amplify member voices, advocate for communication professionals and foster a culture where everyone can feel seen, supported and valued.
How can school PR professionals best advance our role as communication leaders, demonstrate communication accountability and build understanding of communication as a core management function?
School PR professionals must position themselves as strategic advisors, not just content creators. When I first joined my current district, the communications role was seen as a support function, not part of leadership. I focused on shifting that perception by embedding communication into district strategy and building strong relationships with administrators. Three years later, our communications office has a voice at the cabinet level and plays a key role in decision-making.
To advance our role, we need to show how communication drives outcomes. That means using data to measure impact, aligning messaging with strategic goals and demonstrating how our work builds trust, increases engagement, and strengthens school communities.
Regular reporting, feedback and continual improvement show that we take our role seriously. At the same time, we must coach others across the organization to be better communicators, helping to build internal capacity.
What do you consider to be the major communication challenges facing districts/education organizations today, and what qualifications, skills and expertise will you offer as an Executive Board member to help NSPRA support members in addressing these issues?
One of the biggest challenges facing school communicators today is increased political interference and public skepticism. Education is more politicized than ever and that pressure lands squarely on school leaders. We’re being asked to manage sensitive topics, combat misinformation and maintain trust in communities that are sometimes divided.
These challenges demand communicators who are strategic, resilient and connected to the communities we serve. I’ll bring that experience and perspective to NSPRA, advocating for training and resources that help members address real-world pressures with confidence.
Like some in our field, I’ve faced burnout and struggled with my own mental health. It took time, support and intentional care to find my footing again. That experience shapes how I lead today: with empathy, balance and a belief in the value of this work and the people who do it.
We can’t control every external force, but we can support each other through them. I’ll help NSPRA stay focused on equipping communicators to lead with clarity, protect public education and take care of both their communities and themselves.
NSPRA’s mission is to be the leader in developing professionals to communicate strategically, build trust and foster positive relationships in support of their school communities. How will you support this mission as an NSPRA leader?
NSPRA’s mission is essential. Strategic communication, trust-building and strong relationships are the essence of what we do and who we are. As a leader, I will support this mission by reinforcing what NSPRA does best while also exploring new ways to grow.
NSPRA excels at professional development, networking and providing timely tools. I’ll continue to support those core strengths while encouraging innovation. One area of opportunity is storytelling. We need to meet people where they are and help members sharpen their skills for modern audiences.
I also believe in mentoring and leadership development. We must continue to support new professionals while also lifting mid-level and experienced leaders toward new growth, ensuring that all voices are heard and that our profession reflects the communities we serve.
If elected, I’ll be a connector, a collaborator and a champion for members. That means listening to members’ needs, supporting bold ideas and building on the strong foundation already in place.