As a child advocate, I know there are times when state law or systems need to be changed to serve the best interests of children. I have worked with members of the Minnesota House and Senate since 1993 to pass laws to reform adoption (I was the principal volunteer lobbyist behind passage of the Minnesota Father’s Adoption Registry), child welfare, child custody, and child support laws. I know the legislative process, and I have long-term relationships throughout state government that will enable me to deliver results for the organizations I represent in the legislative process. I have also been an advocate for children on several committees to change court rules and practice, including the Minnesota Supreme Court Task Force on Foster Care and Adoption, the Minnesota Supreme Court Child Protection Rules Committee, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services Blue Ribbon Adoption Committee.

Currently, I serve on the Legislative Committee of the Minnesota State Bar Association, which studies and makes recommendations related to legislation, lobbying priorities, and official MSBA positions.