About Me

I grew up in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, and moved to Maryland 32 years ago. I'm a Democrat who grew up in a Republican household, where discussions about politics were frequent and spirited. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Georgia in 1991 and a Master of Arts in Writing (Non-fiction) from Johns Hopkins University in 2000. I have long held a reputation as a "problem solver" — someone to turn to for reliable help and information.

For the past 11 years, I’ve worked in website development, knowledge management, and business process analysis for the National Cancer Institute, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. I work remotely, full time. Find more information about my professional career in my LinkedIn profile.

In 2018, I was elected to serve as University Park’s Ward 3 Councilmember. I’m currently ending my third term. In 2023, I earned the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance certificate from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, which requires the completion of 14 core and elective courses.

I want our Town to be the best it can be and look forward to representing all of University Park’s residents.

My personal strengths and skills include:

  • Collaboration and communication.

  • Professional ethics and collegiality.

  • Relationship maintenance and teamwork.

  • Active listening and reflection.

  • Mediation and consensus building.

  • Requirements gathering and documentation.

  • Optimism.

  • A strong sense of service and commitment to my community.

I am also:

  • Married for nearly 14 years to Jen Russell, a 30+ year resident of University Park.

  • The step-mom of two adult daughters who attended UPES, HMS, and ERHS.

  • A Master Gardener through the University of Maryland Extension.

  • A three-time participant in the UP Woman's Club Garden Tour.

  • A hiking, camping, and backpacking enthusiast.

  • A three-time Marine Corps Marathon finisher.

  • A four-time participant in the DC AIDS Rides, supporting the Whitman-Walker Clinic and Food and Friends.

  • A former volunteer gardener at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Silver Spring.

  • A former volunteer at the St. Ann's Infant and Maternity Home in Hyattsville.

  • A former debate team judge for Walter Johnson High School in North Bethesda.