Occupation:
I have over 25 years of comprehensive Human Resources experience including talent strategies/management, retention, employee engagement/relations, workforce planning, training & development, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), benefits administration and project management. I currently serve as the Manager, HR at BJC Healthcare/Christian Hospital. With my background and experience in policy making/review, process improvement and collaboration with business leaders, I can positively contribute to the Valley Park School District Board of Education.

Education:
I am currently a Fellow in the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Program through Greater St. Louis, Inc. This program is designed to enhance the leadership ability of multicultural professionals in the St. Louis region. I hold a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Lindenwood University and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of MO-St. Louis. I currently hold two professional certifications: Professional Human Resources (PHR) and Society of Human Resources Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). As a life-long learner holding two professional certifications, I attend continuing education sessions to maintain my status.

How long have you lived in the Valley Park School District?
My husband and I started our family in Valley Park and we have lived in the district for over 25 years.

Why are you interested in serving on the Valley Park School District Board of Education?
As a long time Valley Park citizen, I take pride in serving our school community. I have volunteered in various school activities throughout my children’s attendance. The opportunity to be a member of the Board of Education will be an honor and privilege to represent our students, educators, taxpayers and parents. The School District is vital to the Valley Park community. I would like to contribute to the continued success of the District and ensure that it continues to be an attractive school for the families within our community and those looking to live in Valley Park.

Do you have any personal goals or interests you would like to pursue during your term to help improve the district?
As a Valley Park School District Board of Education candidate, the following are my personal interests to contribute to the success of the district:

*One third of our student population are multicultural. As a minority woman and mother of three, I want to ensure that our schools have an inclusive and supportive environment that cultivates belonging where every student can thrive, have a successful future and be productive citizens of our communities. I want to continue to empower students with the knowledge, resources, and support to achieve college, trade school and workforce readiness.

*Teacher professional development, engagement and retention are imperative to quality education of Valley Park students. I want to learn how we can provide more opportunities for professional development and training to help our educators stay current on teaching strategies and technologies to ensure the district continues to have offerings of exceptional education curriculum.

*As a parent, safety and security is always top of mind for our students and staff. While we have measures in place, there is always room for improvement and ensure that we have the latest technology, processes and other security measures to ensure a safe learning environment.

*As a healthcare support leader, I have seen the impact of mental health in the workforce. I have interests in exploring more ways to find resources and improve support to our students and staff who may be struggling with mental health issues.

*As a taxpayer, I want to ensure that the district is fiscally responsible and transparent in spending.

Do you have any family members, living, working or attending school in the district?
My youngest daughter is currently a Junior in Valley Park High School. My two older children graduated from Valley Park High School and are currently pursuing their college education. My children have attended the Valley Park School District since Preschool. They have been in High Honor Rolls, served in various leadership roles and participated in extracurricular activities.

Is there other information about yourself that you would like to share?
I am currently a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). I am also a member of the Society of Multicultural Professional in Human Resources (SMPHR) and was appointed to be the Corporate Liaison for BJC Healthcare. In addition, I am a member of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce-St. Louis to stay connected with business leaders within the St. Louis region.

I have a passion for service in the community and instill this sentiment in my children. My family and I have been involved in various outreach activities for our church including volunteering for back to school supply drives, canned good collection for food pantries and serving at a non-profit organization that supports refugees that migrated to St. Louis. I actively serve in my church on the Guest Services team to greet and assist church goers. I have also been a volunteer for the annual Komen Walk-St. Louis and served on the Walk Committee for 3 years. I volunteered for the St. Louis Festival of Nations through the St. Louis Mosaic Project. Lastly, I served as a mentor and team leader for the St. Louis International Mentoring Program, which creates an opportunity for international women to connect with local St. Louis women. My experience as a parent, business and community leader has prepared me well for this role. I am committed to creating excellent education opportunities for all students and bringing my passion, experience and commitment to the school board. Thank you for considering me as a candidate.

Occupation:
Vice President of Operations for National Safety Consulting .

Education:
Graduated from High School in Baltimore Maryland and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Served 20 years of active duty service affording me the opportunity to receive training and education in a variety of aviation, leadership, communication, and safety courses. Since retirement in 2015, I have continued education in Occupational Safety and Health, communications, training, and public speaking.

How long have you lived in the Valley Park School District?
My family and I lived in Valley park from 2008-2010 where my kiddo attended Valley Park Elementary. When I retired in 2015, we chose to return to Valley Park because we wanted our kiddo to finish his schooling in the Valley Park School District.

Why are you interested in serving on the Valley Park School District Board of Education? Do you have any personal goals or interests you would like to pursue during your term to help improve the district?
The Valley Park School District was a wonderful learning environment for my son Logan to grow. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and help serve the students, staff, and administration. 

Do you have any family members, living, working or attending school in the district?
My son Logan spent the majority of his school years in the Valley Park School District. He graduated in 2022 and is currently at Truman State University.

Is there other information about yourself that you would like to share?
Give me a shot, you won't be disappointed.

Occupation:
Retired

Education:
MBA

How long have you lived in the Valley Park School District?
64 years.

Why are you interested in serving on the Valley Park School District Board of Education?
I have previously held office on the Valley Park School Board for twenty-six ½ years. I am interested in returning to the school board, because the school is no longer being guided by the tax paying citizens through the elected school board.

The Valley Park School District needs to be preparing for a loss in student population. Live birth data shows that the Valley Park District will have a student population below seven hundred students from K through 12th grade by the year 2030.

There are three main reasons for the loss of the student population.

1. The VICC program is being eliminated.
2. The city of Valley Park has lost many single-family homes in the lower levee protected area of the city by commercial properties,
3. Purchase of land and the tearing down of single-family home by the Sacred Heart Catholic church.

The district does not need to extend its debt with the shrinking enrollment. This is the time to conserve funds and start planning on how we stay a viable district with the falling enrollment. 

Do you have any personal goals or interests you would like to pursue during your term to help improve the district?
My only goal is to represent the taxpaying citizens of the district and to see that all students get the best education possible.

Do you have any family members, living, working or attending school in the district?
My entire family attended Valley Park School District. Both my wife and I are alumni along with my three children. Currently I have two grandchildren attending Valley Park who will also be alumni.
As you can see my family has a tradition of attending and graduating from Valley Park.
My wife Melinda has been a dedicated employee of the district for 27 years and my daughter Sara is the high school cheerleading coach.

Is there other information about yourself that you would like to share?
As I stated earlier, I am a lifelong resident of Valley Park and graduate of Valley Park School District. I am a very experienced school member with many years of unpaid service to the Valley Park School District.
I retired after a 30-year career at the Chrysler Assembly Plant in Fenton. I have years of facility knowledge; this has helped in the past with keeping the Valley Park District facilities up and running. I hold an MBA and have the experience leading large groups of people to a common goal.
If you are looking for a candidate that will be just a part time voice for their personal agenda, I am not your candidate!
I am the candidate that is not afraid to make tough decisions. I will always protect the students and taxpayers.
I have already contributed over a third of my life to the Valley Park School Board and I am ready to continue my selfless dedication to the Valley Park School District. The citizens of the district deserve a board that represents all the taxpayers. That is why we have School Boards to have local control over the public schools that we send our children and grandchildren.