Q: Tell our readers about yourself: where you grew up, where you went to college, what you do for a living, etc.
A: I live in Dormont with my husband and two daughters. I grew up in Hempfield Township and moved to the city to attend the University of Pittsburgh. I received an undergraduate degree in creative nonfiction writing and later earned a Master of Arts in teaching. I have taught English at Allderdice High School for 15 years, where I have also coached the debate team and sponsored the National Honor Society.
In my spare time, I love riding my bike. I enjoy using the region’s trail system and commuting to work and around the South Hills on my e-bike. My family and I have recently developed a love for bowling, and we do that often. We also volunteer together at the Dormont Free Pantry when it is open on Sundays.
Q: What made you interested in running for this House seat?
A: Most importantly, I love being a public servant. I believe the more time we spend taking care of one another, the better. As a teacher in a city school, my students are diverse in many ways — race, religion and income. I have learned a great deal about how strong institutions, such as public schools, can provide opportunity, but they must be well funded and designed to support the most vulnerable. I want to fight for that at the state level.
I have also seen what a good representative can do for communities in the district. Rep. Miller was an excellent example. I have helped accomplish meaningful work in Dormont, and I want to do that on a larger scale. I believe I have the skills and experience to get things done in Harrisburg.
Q: Talk about your time on the Dormont council and some of your accomplishments in that community.
A: Serving on Dormont council has been an honor. The work of local government has a significant impact on residents’ day-to-day lives. We have accomplished many important goals, including passing a nondiscrimination ordinance; reviewing Police Department policies with strong community participation; implementing a progressive paid family leave policy for employees; setting a $15 minimum wage for employees, which we achieved several years ago; and updating the zoning code to allow gentle density and encourage development near public transit.
For me, the most exciting work has involved improving safe mobility for pedestrians and cyclists. In 2023, I wrote Dormont’s Complete Streets policy and advocated for the establishment of the Safe Mobility Commission. We are preparing to implement a new traffic-calming policy and are working with PennDOT on a road diet for West Liberty Avenue, scheduled for completion in 2027.
Safe mobility is especially important to me because I believe walkability defines our community and helps connect it. When people spend time in their neighborhoods, they build connections that strengthen resilience and understanding. That sense of shared belonging is essential as we work to address larger challenges, including protecting democracy and civil rights.
Q: What are some of your legislative priorities?
A: At the top of the list is affordability. Rising costs weigh heavily on families, from health care and utilities to housing and child care. While state-level options for health care and utilities are limited, we can pass legislation that makes it easier to build dense, affordable housing near transit and reduces the burden of child care costs.
As a teacher, public education is one of my top priorities. We must ensure Pennsylvania’s public schools are fully and equitably funded and that strong programs remain in place for students with special needs and English language learners. I also want to ensure communities in HD 42 have the support they need to thrive, whether that means rebuilding aging infrastructure, redesigning roads to improve pedestrian safety, or maintaining parks and playgrounds.
Sustainable, long-term funding for public transit is also essential. All three T lines and several bus routes serve the district, and we must not only maintain service but expand it.
Q: Many residents of Mt. Lebanon relied on Rep. Miller for help with state-related issues. Do you plan to retain any or all of his staff, and what are your thoughts on the office location?
A: I plan to keep the office where it is and retain Rep. Miller’s staff. The office has been in that location for nearly two decades and is centrally located within the district, accessible by public transit and across the street from a parking garage. The staff are exceptional — experienced, knowledgeable and talented problem-solvers. I would love for them to stay as long as they wish.
