I grew up in New Jersey, one of eight siblings to two devoted, hardworking parents, with community activism running in the family. My father was elected as mayor in two different towns, and my mother was a schoolteacher. Both taught Sunday school, and had a reputation for helping their neighbors. As I raised our two daughters with my husband of 35 years, we continued that sense of community and instilled in them a sense of kindness and helping others.
I also have a background in finance. After receiving my BA from Drew University, I worked on Wall Street with my brothers, all of us following in the footsteps of our father and grandfather. I started as the assistant to a broker who traded stocks and commodities for personal portfolios, then moved to the sales team of a bond desk. From there I apprenticed as a Eurodollar broker, which I did for a few years in the twin towers at the World Trade Center. When my brother needed a clerk for his book on the NY Cotton Exchange, I worked with him, and eventually became a floorbroker myself.
I had learned a lot about money, and enjoying working with people, so I took that knowledge and experience and became certified as a financial planner. For about ten years, I sat with folks around their kitchen table, assessed their financial health and helped them make plans for their futures.
If elected, these approaches of community and care for healthy financial futures are key qualities I intend to carry with me and use to ground my decision making.
Six years ago, my husband and I retired to Amherst, and are very grateful to call it home, and for the warm welcome we received. As soon as we got settled, I joined the Amherst Republican Committee, eventually becoming the Vice Chair. A key accomplishment has been starting a monthly newsletter called Common Sense. We have sixteen issues under our belts so far and appreciate the interest! The Souhegan Valley chapter of the Federation of Republican Women voted me to be their Treasurer, a position I have held for the past three years. I’ve also served on the Amherst Town Ways & Means Committee for three years, and now hope to serve all residents of Amherst as your State Rep.