NKSD Graduate

Poulsbo Elementary

Poulsbo Junior High School

North Kitsap High School

Being raised in a family who modeled strong work ethic, with parents engaged in grocery and route sales roles throughout my youth (often with multiple jobs), I understand the experience of many of our families in NKSD who are living within tight budgets to make ends meet in pursuit of basic needs. Families also want to ensure their students are able to take advantage of athletics, extracurricular activities, and social engagements that are critical to their school experience and post-secondary opportunities.

Many of my friends and family throughout NKSD continue to be impacted by increased costs in our economy, and would be sensitive to any potential rising costs from Board-approved levy and/or bond measures. My review and vote on any such measures would include an understanding of the importance of this impact on many within our community, and would not be made without confidence and an equitable review of student and staff needs.

As the youngest of three, with my two older siblings also graduating from NKSD, I admired their experiences throughout K-12 and on into adulthood in Construction and Trades for my brother, and the Arts, Music, and Entrepreneurship for my sister. Their spouses, also NKSD grads, have advanced careers in the Health and Sciences, both earning PhD’s and crediting not only a strong academic foundation from NKSD, but strong relationships with teachers and staff who provided mentorship, confidence, and guidance for their next steps after high school.

Diverse needs. Multiple pathways and opportunities. One district.

This is why I support strong CTE and Trades programs, robust Arts & Music instruction, rigorous and advanced academics for all, and the best special education teams to ensure students with specific learning disabilities and/or other health impairments are not sidelined from accessing any of these opportunities.

All students are general education students first.

Married Into the Family Business

At Smallwood Design and Construction, in addition to the quality, value, and integrity brought to every project and relationship, I am honored to be part of a local, family-run business that prioritizes immense care and love for the staff of the company, ensuring that relationships are centered, health care is covered, and transparent bi-annual profit-sharing bonuses are just part of a generous benefits package.

My experiences observing and learning from expert contractors, subcontractors, project managers, and designers over the past 13-years provides me insight and a unique perspective to support the School Board’s informed review and consideration of critical construction and facilities decisions, analysis of bids for service and change orders, and how to anticipate and best prepare for the inevitable disruptions and unexpected changes in project scope [iykyk], including how they may impact students and staff.

Proud to join Leadership Kitsap’s 20 Under 40 2024 Cohort

Beyond honored to be standing amongst strong leaders in Kitsap, including esteemed Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s Chair Woman, Amber Caldera