August 2025

I’ve always believed that access to health care is a basic human need—not a luxury. When I realized how many people in our community were living with untreated dental issues—due to lack of dental insurance and financial constraints—it really struck a chord with me. Dental care is often overlooked, but it’s such a critical part of our overall health. I wanted to be part of the solution and help make sure no one has to suffer just because they can’t afford care. I’ve spent my entire adult career in the nonprofit world because I’m deeply committed to making my community a better place to live, work, and go to school. I’ve worked in social services, the arts, and higher education, but I felt a strong pull toward health care. It just made sense to focus on helping people get access to all aspects of care—including dental. It’s a cause that really aligns with my values and the kind of impact I want to make.

I got involved with PCOH through my role at HealthLink Dental Clinic. One of our board members also sits on the PCOH board, and when their External Communications Committee was looking for someone with a fundraising background, he reached out to me. It seemed like a great opportunity to get more involved in broader advocacy work, so I said yes. What really drew me in is how closely the PCOH mission lines up with what we’re doing at HealthLink. Both of our organizations are all about making sure everyone—regardless of income—has access to the dental care they need. We’re both working to close the gap in care, especially for underserved communities, and we both believe that oral health is a key part of overall health. PCOH brings people together to tackle big-picture issues like policy, education, and health equity, and that work supports and strengthens what we’re doing on the ground at HealthLink. Being part of their team lets us contribute to the larger conversation and make an even bigger impact together.

One of the most consistent challenges we face is generating enough funding to support the important work we do. It can be difficult to get individuals, corporations, and foundations to see dental care as a priority—on the same level as other types of health care. Unfortunately, there’s still a common perception that dental care is a luxury rather than a necessity. That misconception makes it harder to secure the resources needed to serve those who rely on us. The reality is that oral health is directly connected to overall health. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even complications during pregnancy can all be linked to poor dental care. Helping people understand that connection—and the critical role dental care plays in a person’s well-being—is a challenge we’re constantly working to overcome.

I’d love to see universal access to preventive and restorative dental care for all adults—regardless of income or whether they have insurance. Way too many people go without the care they need simply because they can’t afford it, and that just doesn’t sit right with me. Dental care isn’t a luxury—it’s health care. It affects everything from your ability to eat and speak comfortably to your confidence and overall health. When people are in pain or ashamed of their smile, it impacts their job prospects, mental health, and relationships. If we could make dental care truly accessible to everyone, it would change lives in a big way. Not just for individuals, but for entire families and communities. That’s the kind of impact I hope to see in my lifetime.

The patients—always. Hearing their stories, understanding what they’ve gone through, and then seeing the relief and gratitude on their faces after getting care is what keeps me going. Those moments remind me exactly why this work matters. Sometimes it’s something small, like being able to eat without pain or smile without feeling embarrassed. Other times, it’s something huge—like gaining the confidence to go to a job interview or just feeling like themselves again after years of hiding their smile. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day challenges, but then you meet someone whose life has changed because of the care we provided, and it puts everything in perspective. That’s what fuels me. Knowing we’re making a real difference—that’s what keeps me motivated, no matter how tough the work gets.

Spending time with my two sons helps me hit the reset button. Life is busy, so I really value the moments when we can just relax, laugh, or do something fun together. I also enjoy a good book and getting outside for a walk—it’s a simple way to clear my head and get ready for whatever’s next.