About Me

I am thrilled to be a candidate for District 4 Hamilton County School Board.  As a dedicated community advocate and someone deeply connected to our schools, I am eager to contribute my passion, skills and experience toward ensuring an exceptional educational experience for every student in our district.

My life’s work has been dedicated to serving my community by advocating, engaging others and locating needed resources for children and families.  A  lifelong commitment of service to others has given me the desire to extend my leadership capabilities of serving as a Hamilton County School Board member advocating and representing the youth and families in District 4. 

Having lived and served in the Chattanooga area for over 40 years, Chattanooga is my home and I have seen what does and does not work for the families I’ve served.  Therefore, my vision of the 3 R's:  Refocus, Repair and Reclaim will enhance our thoughts and needs to ensure that schools and youth are not left behind in the everlasting changes of technology and academics.  I, however, can't do it alone. I NEED YOU!!  

With my experiences and your help, we can give that holistic approach to youth and community needs.  My experience and education comes from a variety of sources. I am a graduate of UTC with a Bachelors and Master degree in Criminal Justice and a  Master of Social Work degree from Southern Adventist University.  However, one of my proudest experiences comes from being the mother of Jessica Thomas, a graduate of the Hamilton County school CSAS and Austin Peay State University. 

Currently I am the Program Director of Community Forward, a unique partnership with the City of Chattanooga and the Hamilton County school where community coordinators have been placed in Community schools, to help provide resources that eliminate academic and non academic barriers to youth and their families.  

Other work experience includes Transition Employment manager for Project Return, a second chance work program for individuals returning home from incarceration. A Building Stable Lives Life Coach for a mental health agency, where I helped to connect community resources to residents who have a desire to improve their lives.  A Para- Professional with the HCDE, Juvenile Probation Officer, Child Abuse Investigator, Trainer, Facilitator, Regional Juvenile Justice Coordinator, Domestic Violence/Rape Crisis counselor, Supervisor and other social service job related experiences.  I have been a part of the City of Chattanooga Neighborhood Leadership Academy, Police Citizen Academy, UTC Black Alumni Council, Chattanooga Neighborhood Services Youth Conference Speaker: Voices & Choices, and I am a member of the Divine 9, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.  

I also bring experience of governance of other community boards such as Chattanooga Board of Sign & Appeals, Chattanooga Zoning Board, Chattanooga Beer & Wrecker Board and the 1st Chattanooga Citizen Review Board and past president of the Glenwood Neighborhood Association.  All of those experiences have allowed me to be a part of creating policy and procedures for government and community systems that enhance leadership skills.

I have served the citizens of Chattanooga for many years in various capacities and it is my hope to bring that service, leadership, commitment, advocacy, skills and knowledge to the Hamilton County School Board.  My top priorities are to provide a safe school environment, create effective partnerships and advocate for adequate funding to meet the needs of our children and teachers.

Remember I NEED YOU!