Hi, I’m Heather.
I’m a lifelong Bloomington resident, a proud graduate of Kennedy High School, and a parent of three, including two recent Kennedy graduates and a current junior. My grandfather built the house my mother grew up in, near 84th Street and 1st Avenue, making my kids third-generation Bloomington graduates.
I’m running to represent Bloomington, Richfield, and Minneapolis in the Minnesota State Senate because I believe our area needs leadership that is deeply rooted here and backed by real experience in public service.
I’ve spent years working alongside families, educators, and community members, and I’ve seen firsthand how policy decisions show up in everyday life. That’s why I’m focused on strengthening public schools, expanding access to affordable health care, child care, and housing, and supporting welcoming, inclusive communities that protect our quality of life for generations to come.
LISTEN. PLAN. ACT.
I currently serve on the Bloomington School Board, where I was first elected in 2019. During my time on the board, I’ve helped lead through some of the most challenging years our schools and communities have faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic, complex budget decisions, long-range planning, and a superintendent search. I’ve served as board chair and vice chair, and I’ve chaired both policy and legislative committees.
That experience taught me something important: good leadership starts with listening, followed by action. It means asking hard questions, working collaboratively, and following through with solutions that make a real difference.
Bringing local experience to statewide challenges.
In addition to my local leadership, I’m currently participating in the Humphrey Policy Fellowship Program, where I’m working alongside leaders from across Minnesota on policy challenges at the intersection of education, economic vitality, equity, and effective governance. The fellowship has reinforced what I already know from experience: our challenges are connected, and so are the solutions.
Earlier in my career, I was a classroom teacher and an education advocate. I served as President of the Minnesota PTA and on the National PTA Family Engagement Committee, working with families, educators, and policymakers. That advocacy took me to both the Minnesota State Capitol and Washington, D.C., where I worked to elevate community voices and push for practical, people-centered solutions.
Today, I serve as Associate Director of Strategic Planning for the Minnesota School Boards Association, helping school leaders across the state think strategically about the future.
WHY I WANT TO BE YOUR NEXT SENATOR.
I’m running for the Minnesota State Senate because I believe we need leaders who understand how policy decisions show up in real people’s lives. Leaders who listen, collaborate, and aren’t afraid to tackle tough issues. Leaders who care about both today’s challenges and the Minnesota we’re building for the next generation.
I’d be honored to earn your support, and I’d love to hear what matters most to you.
Experience Matters.
Bloomington School Board (2020 – Present)
Chair (2023)
Bloomington School Board Committees
Policy Legislative
Community Engagement
School Board
Associate Director of Strategic Planning, Minnesota School Boards Association
Minnesota PTA President
National PTA Family Engagement Committee
Middle School Teacher ISD #196
Early Childhood & Parent Education ISD #271
Leadership & Work
Humphrey Policy Fellowship University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Education
University of St. Thomas
Education Policy Fellowship Program
Center for Policy Design
Advanced Education Policy Leadership Program
Institute for Educational Leadership
Education & Programs
