What city/town in Tennessee do you live in?

Clarksville, TN

What is your educational background?

Bachelors in Multimedia Journalism from MTSU

What is your job history?

Currently I do marketing for a nonprofit but most recently I was in-home daycare provider.  I’ve also worked in positions like; healthcare, the food industry (server), and overnight positions. I also owned my own character business as Queen Elsa while I was in college. 

Tell us about your family.

I grew up in Ashland City with my parents and 2 older brothers. I was very fortunate to live close to many of my extended family from both sides. I now live in Clarksville with my husband and 7 year old daughter.  

Why are you running for office?

Tennessee residents deserve better than what we currently have. I had to leave the state to obtain healthcare when my 19 week pregnancy was putting my life at risk, and eventually that pushed me to run for this seat. That experience is one of many reasons I stayed in the race. My entire purpose behind running is because I want to help people and I believe our legislature could do a better job at that. The little people like me deserve a voice at the decision making table. I intend to be that voice.

What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?

I know what working class people need. I grew up in a small town with not a lot of money. To this day, my husband and I regularly struggle to get ahead and that’s a battle a majority of people face. I know what it’s like to not be able to buy groceries and pay rent in the same week. I’m coming to the State House with a different perspective that brings fresh ideas to the table. I was a single mom working three jobs with a child that has special needs - I KNOW how hard it is to juggle day to day struggles because I’ve lived it and continue to live through it. I know firsthand which policies can help families in our county. It’s time we have real people representing us and not just the ones with a lot of money.

If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office? 

1. Reproductive healthcare - I’ll work on adding more exceptions to the law so patients and doctors can get/provide the healthcare they need. 

2. Public Schools - I would oppose the voucher bill. Public money should stay in our public schools. Our schools need to be fully funded so teachers are paid fairly, classrooms are stocked with supplies, and every child has access to a quality education. 

3. Affordability - I would push for affordable housing, increasing the minimum wage, cutting the grocery tax, expanding Medicaid, capping insulin prices, and affordable childcare including universal pre-K. All of these things would help working class families save money throughout the year so they can invest more into their families and our community.

What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish if elected?

1. Infrastructure - Clarksville’s infrastructure needs to be updated. I would advocate for more money to be sent to Montgomery County for the purpose of infrastructure investments. 

2. Affordability - It’s next to impossible to find an affordable place to live. I’ll encourage the development of affordable housing while also working to bring higher paying jobs to Clarksville.

Are you satisfied with the direction of the country? Explain why.

Yes and no. The Biden administration has accomplished several notable things, including: 
- The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which supports building new roads and bridges in addition to expanding broadband access in rural areas.
- The Chips and Science Act, which brings high-paying jobs back to America. 
- The Pact Act, which expanded healthcare to veterans who experienced toxic exposure 
- Student Debt Relief. 
At the same time, our country is clearly divided. I’d love to see our state be one of the guiding lights as we work towards a more kind and collaborative nation.

What is your assessment of the performance of Gov. Bill Lee over the last six years?

I do not personally agree with our governor on many issues. I would like to see him end his last two years by working across the aisle and hope to be part of that.

Gov. Lee plans to reintroduce his Education Freedom Scholarship Act (school vouchers expansion) in 2025. Do you support this plan? Why or why not?

Absolutely not. I touched on this in a previous question. Public money should stay in public schools. Period. 

Has Tennessee done enough to address public concerns about firearms safety? Explain your position. 

No. If the 2023 special session showed us anything, it’s that our legislature is unwilling to pass legislation about firearms. In Tennessee, violent criminals and domestic abusers are still easily able to acquire firearms, and we’ve seen no movement on safe storage laws. I’d like to see those things remedied.

Tennessee has some of the most restrictive laws on abortion. Do you agree with Tennessee's approach? Why or why not?

TN lawmakers are legislating something that should be left to doctors. This law nearly cost me my life. My 7-year old was nearly left without a mother because our legislature is unwilling to listen to reason. I’m thankful for State Representative Dr. Richard Briggs for being one of the sole Republican voices who has stood up alongside 77% of Tennesseans in asking for less restrictive abortion laws.

Americans have identified immigration as a top issue in the 2024 election. What role, if any, does Tennessee have on this issue? 

TN is not a border state, therefore there really isn’t anything we can do about the southern border. If undocumented immigrants make it to TN and are found, I feel we should offer them the legal option and a court date to continue the process legally.

The Tennessee legislature has passed several "tough-on-crime" laws in recent years (i.e., truth-in-sentencing and death penalty for raping a child). Do you agree with these policies? Why or why not?

This issue is very nuanced and relies heavily on the court system being fair and impartial. I believe in finding punishments that fit the crime and that one is innocent until proven guilty.

What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on election day?

I tell everyone I speak to, “Vote for the person and not the party.” Our community came together in a beautiful way after last year’s tornado, and I believe that THAT is the spirit of Montgomery County - not party-line division. That’s why I’m running: I believe in helping others, in building community, in fighting for what I know is right, and above all, in working together.

A "fun" question: When visitors ask you, "What should I do in Tennessee or your specific community?" what are the top 2 or 3 things or places you recommend?

1. If you’re in Clarksville and want a family night, visit the City Forum. They have mini golf, bowling, laser tag, go karts, arcade games and hours of fun. 
2. Liberty Park has river access, a public playground for kids, fishing ponds and a dog park. There is also Liberty Grill right on the property where you can grab a delicious meal!
3. Downtown Clarksville offers the downtown commons which hosts some music and movie nights along with many locally owned restaurants to choose from. My favorite is the Blackhorse Pub & Brewery, they have the best fried green tomatoes in town.