Personal

I am a lifelong resident of Kent County where I grew up on our family farm in Alto. I was involved in 4-H, where I learned the importance of hard work and valuable economic lessons.

I believe that agriculture is important to the future of our county both in terms of providing jobs and a great place for all of us to live whether in the city, suburbs, or rural areas. That is why I also serve on the Communications Committee for the Kent County Farm Bureau, the Board for the Great Start Collaborative of Kent County, and assist local FFA programs by judging FFA Leadership Contests.

I am a proud product of public education, having graduated from Lowell High School and then earning a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural and Natural Resources Communication from Michigan State University.

I am a busy working mom, which means I don’t have much “free time”. For fun, I enjoy all kinds of outdoors activities with my family. I have enjoyed being an assistant coach for my kids’ YMCA soccer team. In addition, I greatly enjoy hunting and am a member of the National Rifle Association.

My family praises and worships at Ada Bible Church. I am married to my high school sweetheart and best friend, Brad Lyons. Brad is a Sheriff’s Deputy in Kent County and is a wonderful and supportive partner. Brad and I are the fourth generation to own our family farm. One of the reasons I am running for the House of Representatives is to ensure that our kids have the opportunity to be the fifth generation, and to make sure all of the kids who grow up in West Michigan have a chance to stay here.

Professional

Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives, I worked as Director of Public Policy & Community Outreach for the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors and the Commercial Alliance of Realtors. It is a great honor to work for an organization that is so passionate about private property rights, taxation, and the American Dream, as well as with small business people who are deeply committed to their communities. It has also shown me first-hand how policies enacted by the government impact job providers, small businesses, families, and the economy as a whole.

Community Service

I strongly believe that citizens have a responsibility to serve their community, state, and nation. I try to set an example of this for my children, just as my parents did for me. I formerly served as Secretary of the Bowne Township Planning Commission, where I strive to ensure the township is a great place to work, live, and raise a family through common sense policy decisions. In addition, I worked in the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate giving support to members. I also have served on the Board of Directors for Alpha Women’s Center in Grand Rapids, a crisis pregnancy counseling center whose mission is to show compassion and love to families facing unplanned pregnancy and to seek mercy for the unborn. It has also been a privilege for me to serve as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 305 for many years. I am awed by the service the Legion provides to our brave veterans and the entire community.

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