Meet Jade
I am a mother
Leadership in action
I am a community advocate
As a mother of two, I understand the critical importance of accessible and quality education for all children. I believe deeply in quality access and opportunity for early childhood and public education for ALL children. My experience as a former Board Member of an early childhood center has strengthened my dedication to advocating for inclusive and equitable education policies that benefit every child in our community.
As a proven effective leader known to deliver on her promises, I have been recognized as a winner of the Next Gen Under 30 Kansas award in 2022, highlighting leadership and innovation among young professionals in the state, and selected as a member of the 2023 inaugural class of Leadership Greater Topeka. These experiences have equipped me with invaluable insights and skills to drive meaningful change.
Healthy people thrive in healthy communities, and I've dedicated myself to fostering just that. Through active participation in advisory and board roles, I've championed community health initiatives, representing and advocating for the well-being of all.
Current and past board/advisory roles:
Advisory Council Member: Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging (JAA)
Public Member: Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN)
Board Commissioner: Topeka Housing Authority (THA)
Advisory Committee Member: Association of Maternal and Child Health (AMCHP’s) Health Equity Committee
These experiences have deeply shaped my understanding of community development, healthcare access, and workforce challenges, reinforcing my commitment to serving the people of District 54.
Background in Healthcare and Public Health
In my day-to-day work leading public health improvement initiatives and executive strategy consulting, I’ve successfully led and supported various statewide health improvement and community engagement initiatives in Kansas. These initiatives have involved collaboration with a diverse range of organizations and leaders, including local government, hospitals, non-profits, K-12 schools, and faith-based entities. My career in occupational therapy has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare needs across all age groups, from children to older adults, within acute care hospital settings. Moreover, my leadership in workforce and talent development within the healthcare sector has honed my ability to tackle intricate healthcare challenges. I deeply comprehend the economic significance of a skilled workforce and have implemented strategies to address workforce shortages, fostering mutual benefits for Kansas communities and our skilled professionals.
These combined experiences have uniquely positioned me to drive impactful change and advocate for the health and well-being of all Kansans.