Experience 

I believe experience matters. For more than 20 years, I’ve served this community through local government, education, and healthcare—always with a focus on strengthening the institutions that keep San Miguel County healthy, resilient, and connected. My work reflects a proven record of leadership across multiple sectors, and it has prepared me to step into the role of County Commissioner on day one.

 

Having lived and worked in both the eastern and western parts of the county for over 25 years, I understand the different histories, cultures, and priorities that shape each community. I know how local government works, and I know how to bring people together to solve problems that affect us all.

​

Leadership in Education

Telluride R-1 School Board — 9 years of service

During nearly a decade on the School Board, I helped strengthen academic programs, modernize facilities, and expand mental health support for students and staff. Key accomplishments include:

• Supporting the successful launch and expansion of the dual-immersion Spanish program in the elementary and middle schools.

• Leading efforts to address outdated facilities and overcrowding by building a much-needed and widely supported addition to the main campus.

• Championing improved mental health services for students and faculty—and ensuring these services were implemented.

• Navigating state budget cuts while protecting classroom resources, building healthy reserves, and improving per-student funding.

• Building strong working relationships with state education officials and elected leaders to advocate for better K–12 funding.

 

Expanding Access to Healthcare and Mental Health

Tri-County Health Network & Axis Health System

My professional work in healthcare has focused on mental health, youth support, and improving access to care for rural and underserved residents. Highlights include:

• Leading San Miguel County’s 2020 Census outreach, ensuring historically undercounted communities—seasonal workers, Latino residents, and rural households—were represented.

• Developing school-based tele-therapy platforms in Telluride and Norwood, and later expanding telehealth access countywide for all residents.

• Spearheading the Mental Health Property Tax Assessment campaign, which has raised more than $5 million to expand behavioral health services and created the San Miguel Behavioral Health Solutions Panel.

• Expanding the Good Neighbor Fund during the COVID-19 emergency to serve more families, including those in historically marginalized communities.

• Building strong relationships with local, state, and national officials to advocate for rural healthcare, behavioral health, and community wellbeing.

• Coordinating efforts in both the Telluride and Norwood School Districts to improve youth mental health and reduce substance misuse.

 

Strengthening Local Healthcare Infrastructure

Telluride Hospital District Board — Over 3 years

On the Hospital District Board, I’ve helped guide the Telluride Regional Medical Center through a period of significant transition and long-term planning. Contributions include:

• Helping stabilize operations through stronger management practices and improved revenue streams.

• Repairing relationships between the Board and staff, improving morale, and reducing turnover.

• Advancing the effort to secure land at Society Turn and move toward construction of a modern medical facility.

• Working with local governments and community partners to navigate a financial emergency and develop a sustainable long-term plan for healthcare services.

Leading improvements in governance and setting the Board on a path toward becoming a higher-functioning, more transparent governing body