Municipal Recreation Director
Non-Profit Leader
Councilwoman
My path to success
I have 25 years’ experience in the field of substance use prevention and have worked for nearly 14 years as a municipal recreation professional in two New Jersey towns. I am a Certified Recreation Administrator, have certificates in Volunteer Management and Human Services Management from Rutgers School of Social Work and am a 2001 graduate of Leadership Shore, a year-long program designed to cultivate public sector leaders by exposing them to all aspects of community development.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications and Theatre from Monmouth University and in October 2025 will receive a Executive Master of Public Administration degree from Rutgers University, School of Public Affairs and Administration. My most recent position was as Prevention Director at the New Jersey Prevention Network, a statewide public health agency that provides training, technical assistance and workforce development for the addiction field. I retired in June 2025.
I served for 10 years as a Councilwoman in Brick Township, chairing the Recreation Committee and the Brick Municipal Anti-Drug Coalition (BMAC). I also served on the Public Safety, Public Works, Land Use, Business and Finance and Ethics committees.
Prevention
The field of substance use prevention has evolved over the years from activities that keep kids busy, to public awareness and skill building to the current recognition that community problems are solved by positively changing the environment where people live, learn, grow and play.
Recreation
The word "recreation" typically invokes thoughts of sports programs, but at the local level it is so much more than that. Municipal Recreation professionals manage parks and beaches, marinas and golf courses, concert series, seasonal community events and enrichment programs for older adults. As one town said in their mission statement, "We are your one-stop family fitness and fun place, providing affordable, high-quality recreation and leisure services for our friends and neighbors."
Local Government
Local governance is the sweet spot where prevention and the elements of effective policy come together: Budget and Finance, Land Use, Public Safety and Parks and Recreation all support healthy vibrant communities where families can thrive.
My profile, my passion and my mission
I found my way into substance use prevention and government unexpectedly, only to discover a passion and a love for both.
Ultimately my goal is to be able to teach at the college level, from acquired foundational knowledge as well as my personal experience, and in so doing, hopefully inspire some of the next generation to look for their passion in unexpected places.
