As the single mother of three children, I know the sacrifices we all have to make to provide the best for our children.

That’s why in 1985, I enlisted in the United States Army to serve my country the only way I knew how.

And in 1998, I left all that I knew—moving from my home in New York City to Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. I wanted to be in a new environment with the best resources, including good schools, a strong community, and a home I could call my own, hoping it would be the best and last move of my life.

Three years later, in the wake of 9/11, I found myself at another major crossroad. Having already served 16 years in the Army up to that point, I had met a lot of challenges—but the 9/11 attack was a turning point personally and professionally, as I wondered what I could do for my family and my country.

And in 2003, I was called back to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and I was faced with my biggest challenge.

As a single mother who had to think about serving and protecting my family, I answered the call to serve and protect my country. I realized that by answering my country’s call, I would ultimately be protecting my children’s safety, so I embarked overseas. With the help of my family, friends, and community, I found the necessary care for my children and sacrificed by missing some of their most formative years to protect our country, legacy, and freedom.

My answer is simple: After retiring from the Army in 2014, I realized that my duty as a citizen and a leader had not ended.

I felt deeply the need to serve my community in a new capacity—by advocating for a better Pennsylvania, one that respects the dignity of the working men and women who support our economy.

I started first by running for a Council seat in my hometown of Mount Pocono. After winning the support of my community, I went on to become President of Council and later became a Commissioner with the Pocono Mountain Regional Police.

I want to continue giving back to this great Commonwealth in the State House of Representatives, with the same dedication I gave to the U.S. Army and to the Borough of Mount Pocono.

I know the drill. I taught the soldiers under my command that their lives depended on trusting each other and working together. That message carried my troops and me very far overseas. I know I can help make the changes Pennsylvania needs in Harrisburg with the same drive to succeed.

I say that Harrisburg is not a mess. I say it’s an opportunity to raise a new voice and fix issues that have gone unaddressed for far too long.

I plan to be a leader and a voice for the citizens of Pennsylvania's 176th House District who have often gone unheard.

I know I can work to get things done in the House because I’ve done it on the battlefield and here at home. Ultimately, we need something new for Pennsylvania. With the right leadership and support, there’s nothing we can’t do.