Since its inception in 2000, the agency has grown to manage one of the largest in-school mentoring programs in Minnesota, providing over 450 local children with positive role models. MAP also provides violence prevention training and works to help juveniles in crisis.

Previously, I worked as the Violence Prevention Specialist for St. Louis County and have held a number of human service jobs working with adolescents, the mentally ill and the elderly. I’ve raised my family in Duluth, and I earned my humanities degree from the College of St. Scholastica.

From 1987 to 1991, I served on the Duluth City Council, representing the Third District. I’ve also served as a board member on a variety of local organizations, including Center City Housing, the Duluth Art Institute, a community theater group and a neighborhood organization to empower low income residents.