In my very first year on the Board, I earned the Certified New Board Member Award in March 2024, followed by the Certified Board Member certificate in January 2025. These certifications are awarded by the New Jersey School Boards Association to members who complete extensive professional development—including Academy sessions, the statewide NJBSA workshop, and numerous county programs—covering areas critical to effective school governance. For me, pursuing these certifications wasn’t about checking a box; it was about making certain I had all the tools and knowledge I needed to do the very best job I could for our students, teachers, administrators, and families. The knowledge I have acquired through these programs has strengthened my ability to serve effectively, but I also know that being a board member means continuously learning and growing. If entrusted with another term, I will continue to build on that foundation so that every decision I make reflects both experience and a commitment to ongoing growth in service to our schools and community. At the heart of it all is my passion for advocating for our community