St. James the Less has become a place of grounding, grace, and belonging for me. It would be an honor to give back by serving as a member of the Vestry.

My career has been spent helping those who are broken or wounded—from caring for the critically mentally ill to serving severely wounded active-duty service members on a polytrauma brain injury unit. Accompanying patients and educating families during some of the hardest moments of their lives was sacred work. It required steadiness, honesty, and a willingness to sit with pain while holding onto hope.

Experiencing the same kind of trauma myself as a new widow raising four sons here in Ashland taught me resilience, trust in God’s provision, and the importance of community support — lessons I carry with me into every part of my life.

Throughout my life and work, I have tried to be someone who notices “the least of these,” helping these people feel heard, valued, and understood. I believe the church is called to do the same — within our congregation and beyond our walls.

As a Vestry member, I would serve with humility, faith, and a deep commitment to the well-being of our parish. I care about strengthening our sense of connection, supporting our ministries, and ensuring that we remain a welcoming, loving presence in the wider community. I believe vestry service is not just about governance, but about prayerful discernment and faithful stewardship of the people and mission God has entrusted to us.

It would be a true privilege to serve this church which has begun to mean so very much to me.