12/03/2025
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I grew up in Amarillo and built my career in the Texas Panhandle. Over the years, I opened rural clinics in towns that had gone without local care, created a pharmacy and a coffee shop in Bushland, and spent many seasons serving families and communities as a nurse practitioner and entrepreneur.
My path eventually led me back to my alma mater, West Texas A&M University, where I now serve as dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and lead talented faculty who train much of the region’s healthcare workforce.
My work often brings me into conversations with state and local leaders about healthcare, education, workforce needs, and small business. I have had the opportunity to serve on advisory boards, chair statewide task forces, and receive recognition from the U.S. Small Business Administration as the Small Business Person of the Year for the Texas Panhandle, a moment honored by a flag flown at the Texas Capitol.
My favorite part of my story begins at church, where I met my husband, Kelly, after he moved here to attend WT. We have been married for 33 years and raised four children who now have families of their own. We still attend the same church my dad pastored for nearly forty years.
I am grateful for this community and for every opportunity to serve the people who have helped shape my life.
Texas benefits when representatives stay rooted in their communities, continue to work, and bring that daily understanding to Austin.
Rep. John Smithee leaves big shoes to fill, and I would be honored to have your vote for Texas State Representative, House District 86.
