Why Community Service Matters to Me
From a small town in Massachusetts to KLSD, my life has always been shaped by family, faith, and service to my community.
Growing Up in a Town Where Everyone Knew Your Name
I grew up in a small rural town in Southeast Massachusetts, just before Cape Cod, in a two-family house with my parents and brother, and my grandparents downstairs. My mom grew up in that same house and most of my large extended family lived in the same town. Nothing I did was ever a secret—my community was my family, and my family was my community. From an early age, I learned that we look out for one another and show up when people need us.
Faith, Family, and a Home That Welcomed Everyone
My grandparents were my first teachers in Sunday School. At our church, my grandfather was an elder, my dad was a deacon, my grandmother sang in the choir, and my mom was the church secretary. My parents led the youth group, and there was even a room named after one of my aunts. Our home was a safe haven for visiting missionaries and anyone in need.
I attended preschool in that same church, taught by my mom’s best friend and my cousin. Along with my mom, they gave me a deep love of reading and education. Service, learning, and caring for others were not abstract ideas—they were part of our daily life.
Schools Have Always Been Personal for Me
My grandfather was the custodian and truant officer at my elementary school, and my mom was the school secretary. I could never get away with much—there were eyes and ears everywhere—but I also saw how much adults in a school community can shape a child’s life.
By my senior year, my mom was the secretary at my high school. My parents were proud alumni and members of the first graduating class. Our high school mascot, the Bulldogs, was renamed after my dad, whose determination on the football field helped lead an underdog team to an unexpected victory. That story of grit and pride in our school stayed with me. It taught me that what happens in our schools matters deeply to families and to the identity of a community.
A Family Tradition of Showing Up
My parents modeled community service every day. From coaching youth sports to serving on school committees, they were always present, setting an expectation to give back that I carry with me today.
Continuous Mentorship
My dad coached and umpired youth baseball for years, long after my brother and I had graduated. He served on our school committee and as commissioner of the youth baseball league.
Active Engagement
My parents were active in both music and sports booster clubs. My mom led Pioneer Girls and they chaperoned proms, always being present in our schools and community events.
The Call to Volunteer
Most of my extended family served in our local volunteer fire department or ambulance corps. In our town, you didn't wait for 'someone else'—you volunteered your time and talent.
That expectation to show up for your neighbors is something I carry with me today in KLSD. Service is more than an idea; it's a family legacy.
Learning to Lead and Serve
In high school, I stayed busy—playing field hockey, trying basketball and track, and, most importantly, finding my place in student government. Among many other activities, I served as Student Body President and Town Moderator, was the student member of our school board, was elected to the State Student Advisory Council, and served as the voting student member of the Massachusetts State Board of Education.
Those experiences showed me how student voices can shape policy and improve schools. I learned that leadership is about listening, building consensus, and always keeping students at the center. That same belief guides my work on the KLSD Board of Education today.
Boosters & School Events
- Booster Leadership: I served as President and my husband as VP of the John Jay Booster Club (2020–2023). We are lifetime members and active volunteers.
- Long-term Commitment: Over three years of executive leadership driving school spirit and event success.
- Broad Volunteerism: Decades of hands-on support for KLSD, from LES carnivals to senior week activities.
- Alumni Ties: Active engagement as Secretary of the Bulldog Pride Alumni Association.
The same commitment that keeps our family on the fields, in the firehouse, and at school events is what I bring to my work on the KLSD Board of Education.
Service Our Family Brings to KLSD
Community service is not just my story—it’s our family’s way of life. For nearly four decades, my husband and I have been serving and supporting the communities we love, including right here in KLSD.
Public Safety & Youth Sports
- Athletic Leadership: Ongoing volunteer work for youth sports and service as a Section One athletics official.
- Public Safety Leadership: My husband, Pete, has been a volunteer fireman since 1987, also serving as Pound Ridge Fire Commissioner.
- Youth Coaching: Pete has coached youth in tee ball, baseball, football, basketball and lacrosse.
Service That Continues in KLSD
Today, as President of the Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education, I bring these lifelong lessons about community, service, and schools to every decision I make. I believe strong public schools are built when we listen to one another, show up for each other, and keep students at the heart of our work.
I invite you to stay engaged, ask questions, and be part of this shared work for our students and our community.