I am new(ish) to the movement, joining the Platte Institute in February 2015. I recently returned to my hometown of Omaha after spending six years working on federal policy in Washington, D.C. During my time on Capitol Hill, I worked as a legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) handling agriculture, energy, immigration, rural development, and all related tax and budget issues.

While I enjoyed my time in D.C., the state policy world far exceeds our federal counterpart in terms of action and influence. State Legislatures are guiding most major policy decisions, not the stalemating U.S. Congress. I am privileged to be amidst the action in my home state of Nebraska.

I am also a newlywed. My husband and I were married in June, and we are relishing in our post-wedding planning life. We are avid University of Nebraska football and University of Kansas basketball fans, otherwise known as "Husker Jayhawks." When we are not perpetually house-hunting, we enjoy cooking, craft beer, concerts and traveling.