About Me
Shawnee born and raised.
Shawnee has always been home. I grew up here, live here, and work here. I married my amazing husband, Michael, two years ago and we bought our first house here. Growing up in Shawnee, I attended Benninghoven and Shawnee Mission Northwest I then left to go to college at KU, and, after earning a degree in Cellular Biology, made the intentional choice to return here to live, work, and contribute to the community that shaped me. I currently work for a company headquartered right here in Shawnee, continuing my commitment to supporting our local economy.
My family lives here and helped shape who I am. Service runs in the family: my dad and grandfather served Shawnee as city prosecutor and city attorney for many years. Another grandfather, Tony Soetaert, was one of Shawnee’s longest-serving mayors and helped establish the Sister Cities Program—an initiative that brought international friendship and culture to our city.
Some of my most meaningful childhood memories include the Old Shawnee Days and playing Rolle Bolle, a traditional Belgian game, with visitors from Belgium, Germany, and Ireland. Those experiences helped shape who I am and even became the subject of college essays that earned me scholarship opportunities.
When I’m not working, you can find me attempting to garden with mixed success, or with a good book in hand. I’m running for office because I believe in giving back to the city that’s given me so much—and because I know that Shawnee’s best days are still ahead.
You could say Shawnee’s in my blood—my family’s lived, worked, and volunteered here for hundreds of years.
FAQs
What inspired you to run for City Council?
I want to give back to the community that raised me. Like so many others, I’ve been frustrated by the things happening in the world lately - and I’ve felt powerless at times to make a difference. But the truth is, change doesn’t start at the national level. It starts right here, in our neighborhoods, with local leaders who reflect our values and truly listen to the people that they serve.
That’s why I decided to run for City Council. I saw an opportunity to be a part of the solution - to be the kind of representative I would want advocating for me and my neighbors. So I jumped in, ready to work hard, and ready to serve.
I care deeply about Shawnee. This city has shaped who I am, and now I’m ready to give back by helping shape its future.
What do you think makes Shawnee unique?
Shawnee is more than a city - it’s a hometown. We have so much green space and are constantly looking to expand our parks and trails. It also has an almost small town feel when you stroll downtown. I’ve mentioned it over and over again, but it’s also the programming - Old Shawnee Days, and even Old Shawnee Town itself bring a fun, family-centered appeal that everyone can enjoy. We don’t just have a farmers market - we have Moonlight Market too!
You mention your family’s legacy, what is it and how do you plan to honor it?
My family has called this area home since the 1800s, and public service runs deep in our roots. Among my relatives are a city prosecutor, two city attorneys, two mayors, and a judge who came close to being nominated to the Kansas Supreme Court.
I want to carry that legacy forward by bringing their level-headedness, dedication and sense of purpose to the Shawnee City Council. Serving others isn’t new to my family, it’s who we are. And now, I’m ready to give back to the city that has given so much to us.
Why should people vote for you?
I’m not just from Shawnee. I AM Shawnee. THis city is part of who I am. I’m here to represent it with pride and serve its people with dedication.