Idaho PTA Annual Convention

It is with great humility, gratitude, and enthusiasm that I submit this personal statement for your consideration as President of the Idaho State PTA. Serving as Vice President of Advocacy has been a deeply rewarding experience. I’ve seen firsthand the potential of our organization to build bridges between families, educators, and policymakers. I’ve also felt the growing need to connect voices across Idaho—especially in rural and underserved communities—with the tools, confidence, and support they need to thrive. My work has focused on amplifying those voices, one conversation at a time. Whether organizing a meet and greet with PTA leadership, speaking with frustrated parents navigating school systems, or building resources for new chapters, my goal remains the same: Every child. One voice. That voice deserves to be heard. With an educational background in Technology and Engineering Education and an Executive MBA, I bring a unique blend of classroom understanding and strategic leadership. My professional and volunteer experience spans advocacy, community development, communication, and team-building—rooted in my roles as a mother of seven, a strengths-based coach, and a lifelong learner.

If elected as Idaho State PTA President, I will work to:

•  Increase chapter engagement statewide, especially in regions with no local PTA

• Strengthen collaboration between parents, teachers, and school leaders

• Develop communication systems that increase awareness, access, and action

• Lead with joy, compassion, and strategy to ensure every child has a champion

I believe in the power of people, the value of service, and the magic that happens when parents and educators work together. Thank you for the opportunity to serve, and for your belief in the mission that unites us all.

I am excited to be considered for the position of President-Elect for Idaho PTA. I have experience and am dedicated to serving Idaho families, educators, and students through PTA leadership.  I have experience in PTA leadership at both local, state, and now National levels.  I’m passionate about building strong connections between schools, families, and communities. My journey with PTA began at Orchards Elementary, where I had the privilege of serving as Secretary and later as President. I have continued to serve the Orchards PTA board by serving as their Book Fair and Reflections Chair for the last 6 years. Those experiences taught me the power of collaboration and how much we can accomplish when we work together for our kids. Two years ago I stepped into the role of Region 2 Director for Idaho PTA, supporting local PTAs with resources, guidance, and advocacy efforts. I also had the incredible opportunity to serve as a State Champion for National PTA, working to empower families and strengthen engagement across Idaho. I believe in the power of PTA to create real, lasting change for students, educators, and families. As President-Elect, I hope to continue fostering connections, amplifying voices, and ensuring every child has the support they need to succeed. I’d be honored to serve and continue this important work with all of you. Thank you for your consideration.

I'm interested in serving as the VP of Membership for the next two years.  I was appointed to the Membership position in May 2024 and feel like I have made great strides in cleaning up our membership records, adding processes and their documentation, and expanding our Boards knowledge in the tasks and skills necessary to successfully support our local units....  But feel there is still work to do and I would like to be a part of it!

Prior to relocating to Idaho, I served 5 years on CA based PTAs (3 years as Treasurer and 2 years as President).  I have over 15 years of 501(c)(3) experience with a national non-profit and 4 years of experience as an external auditor for non-profits.  My non-profit experience provides a solid basis for understanding the unique standards in which they are required to operate and my PTA experience provides a perspective that allows me to provide meaningful and feasible options to Local Unit Leaders. Thank you for your consideration.

I am submitting my name for the VP of Advocacy & Legislation. I have been the state PTA president for the past 2 years, run a successful podcast on education in Idaho, and helped run a bill this past legislative session making me a qualified candidate for this position.

I am interested in serving as the Idaho PTA Treasurer for another two years because I feel like I've learned a lot the last two years, and am hoping to rely on that previous experience and get even better at my position over the next two years. I enjoy tracking where the money goes, seeing how we can bring in money (or maybe lessen the burden on the local units), spend the money responsibly, and meet the expectations of being a responsible and respectable 501(c)(3) organization. It had become pretty discouraging for everyone the last few years that we couldn't attract and keep board members, and I am excited about the direction we have taken by changing things up and becoming a more advocacy oriented organization. While I think we provide a necessary service by providing advice, templates, and deadlines to submit paperwork, I think providing a stronger voice on behalf of parents, teachers, and students is really neat and totally needed in this state. I want to stick around and help our organization to continue to do good things.