2000 — B.A., Forensic Psychology (John Jay College, CUNY). Laid the foundation for a public-service career focused on vulnerable populations.
2005 — J.D., New York Law School. Pursued public-interest law while working in child welfare and litigation support.
2001–2004 — Child Protective Service Worker (NJ DYFS). Hands-on child welfare experience that informed later advocacy as an attorney and local official.
2006–2007 — Paralegal, NJ DYFS. Continued service in child and family protection while completing legal training.
2007–Present — Senior/Staff Attorney, Community Health Law Project (CHLP). Represents and advocates for low‑income and disabled residents seeking benefits and civil rights protections.
Community Leadership
2005–2013 — Vice Chair, Environmental & Shade Tree Commission. Helped implement the Rain Garden at the Transportation Center, establish the Community Garden at City Hall, and the planting of 2,000+ trees citywide.
Oct 21, 2013 — Among the first same‑sex couples married in NJ (midnight ceremony on the Asbury Park boardwalk). A historic civil rights milestone and symbol of local inclusivity.
2013–2014 — Post‑Sandy Community Relief & Civic Safety. Organized a laundromat card drive after Hurricane Sandy and convened a town hall to combat dog‑fighting operations.
2013-present — Running & Winning Workshop with the League of Women Voters of Monmouth County. Yearly opportunity for 50 young women in their junior year of high school to network, develop decision-making skills, gain self-confidence, and be mentored by Women in Government while learning about some of the intricacies of the political process.
Council Tenure & Deputy Mayorship
July 2013 — Elected to Asbury Park City Council. Entered office with priorities of crime reduction, transparent government, and small‑business support.
2014 — Asbury Together Platform. Advanced an agenda of open and responsive government, local employment opportunities, comprehensive crime strategy, fiscal responsibility, and development that benefits everyone.
2015 — Appointed Deputy Mayor (continuously serving since). Provided leadership that emphasized public engagement to inform policy directions.
2020 — Re‑elected to a four‑year Council term. Reinforced public mandate; continued as Deputy Mayor.
2025 — Sworn in for New Four‑Year Term (Deputy Mayor). Returned to office with running mates after a landslide win in the November 2024 election; continued leadership into the 2025–2028 term.
Civic Engagement, Culture, and Governance
2016 — Cultural & Civic Leadership. Grand Marshal of the Promenade of Mermaids; co-founded the Asbury Park Women’s Convention; highlighted municipal impact through NJ Local Government Week programs.
2025 — Appointed to Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill’s transition team. Serving on the Local Government Advisory Board.
Economic Development, Resilience & Public Safety
2023 — Secured $526,000 in State UEZ Funding for Local Businesses. Backed programs for façade/walkway improvements, a micro‑business lease subsidy, supplemental police foot patrols in business districts, and workforce development with the Boys & Girls Club.
2023 — Launched the “Made & Sold in Asbury Park” Initiative (UEZ). Created a first‑of‑its‑kind winter event (held Feb 3, 2024) to boost off‑season sales and showcase local makers.
2013–Present — Coastal Resilience Leadership. Led the City’s engagement with Rebuild by Design after Hurricanes Irene and Sandy; has advocated for a permanent resiliency commission.
Ongoing — Public Safety Modernization. Supported body‑worn camera infrastructure and data‑driven policing approaches to address crime collaboratively with residents.
Housing, Mobility, Parks, & Public Health
2016–present — Zoning & Housing Reform (incl. ADUs). Advanced accessory dwelling units to diversify housing and supported progressive housing policies.
2016–2024 — Parks, Culture & Senior Mobility. Delivered major parks improvements and live‑music programming; expanded EZ Ride for Seniors to improve access and independence.
2020–2022 — COVID‑19 Response. Helped implement walk‑in testing and vaccination access for residents during the pandemic.
2019–2024 — Small‑Business & Main Street Support. Directed UEZ resources to storefront upgrades and other small‑business programs; leveraged events and grants to drive foot traffic.
2019–present — Transparency & Participation. Advanced participatory budgeting; emphasized open communication and resident inclusion in decision‑making.
2019–present — Transportation & Public Safety. Implemented a city-wide scooter program, bike rentals, and bike lanes.
2019–2024 — Infrastructure & Public Facilities. Supported delivery/planning of a new firehouse, aligning capital projects with community growth.
2023-2024 — Convention Hall Renovation & Public Facilities. Secured one of the largest grants $20 million) from the state to revitalize Convention Hall and provide new bathrooms.
2024 — Rent Control & Affordable Housing. Set a limit on yearly rent raises for buildings with 3+ units and created affordable housing initiatives that include a 20% set aside for affordable housing.
Current Term & Recent Actions
2025 — A Resounding Public Mandate. Returned to office with running mates after a landslide win in the November 2024 election; continued leadership into the 2025–2028 term.
2025 — Public Safety & Infrastructure Upgrades. Council actions included body‑worn camera server upgrades and Phase I wastewater treatment plant improvements.
2025 — Arts, Events & Public Realm Enhancements. Encouraged public art integration in new multifamily development; supported UEZ funding for consumer‑attracting events; approved a bench sponsorship program with the Environmental Shade Tree Commission.
2025 —Inclusivity. The City of Asbury Park earned a perfect score of 100 points on the 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), a nationwide evaluation conducted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation that measures how effectively municipalities support, protect, and include LGBTQ+ residents, employees, and visitors.
2025 — Animal Welfare. Worked with community leaders to draft language for an ordinance banning the breeding of dogs and cats in Asbury Park.
2026 — Public Safety. Worked with the police department to create a security ordinance requiring on-site security officers in buildings that generate a high number of calls to the police department.
Awards & Recognitions
2019 — Grassroots Community Award. The Monmouth and Ocean County Democrats LGBTQ Caucus.
2019 — Distinguished Public Servant Award. Presented by Senator Vin Gopal for Women’s History Month.
2021 — Kamala Harris Leadership Award. “In recognition for your dedication to Asbury Park and the pursuit of equality, justice, and democracy for all.”
2021 — Elect Women NJ Leadership Recognition. Honored for municipal leadership as part of the organization’s inaugural cohort.
2024 — QSpot Community Leader Award. Honored for leadership on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.
2024 — Endorsements. Endorsed for office by LPAC, LGBTQ+ Victory Campaign, Governor Phil Murphy, Senator Vin Gopal, the Monroe Towers Tenants Association, and over 50 community, business, and union leaders.
2025 — Prevention Resource Network Community Leadership Award. Recognized for advocacy and leadership on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community at a local ceremony attended by state leaders.
