Born Rochester, MN, January 19, 1962; 2 children. Graduate Stewartville H.S. 1980; B.A. Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN 1989. Council of State Governments BILLD Fellow 2012. Full-time legislator. Former teacher of English and Citizenship to Hmong adults. Member: Viterbo University Board of Advisors; UW-La Crosse Chancellor’s Community Council; La Crosse County League of Women Voters; La Crosse County Democratic Party. Former member: Wisconsin Counties Association County Ambassador Program; La Crosse Area Family Policy Board; Stepping Stones Children’s Advocacy Center; La Crosse County Economic Development Fund; La Crosse Community Foundation Granting Advisory Board. La Crosse County Board 2004-12.

Elected to the Assembly in November 2011 special election; reelected 2012.