Anxiety and depression among high school students are at record highs. Our district must prioritize mental health education and resources alongside academic excellence to ensure every student thrives.
Rather than ignoring or fearing AI, we must teach students how to use it responsibly — as a tool for creativity and problem-solving that strengthens learning and prepares them for the future.
With $35,000 spent per student annually, our community deserves transparent, accessible reporting that shows how every dollar supports student learning and well-being.
According to the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey, more than 40% of U.S. high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year.
Northern Valley is recognized as one of the top high schools in New Jersey for academics and athletics. While this is a tremendous strength, research shows that classrooms described as highly competitive saw students with a 37% higher likelihood of depression and a 69% higher likelihood of anxiety. Excellence must never come at the expense of student well-being.
Studies also show that students who feel connected to their school—knowing they are cared for and supported—experience lower levels of depression and anxiety over time.
As a Board member, I will advocate for Mental Health & Academic Success as a priority through:
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping higher education and the workplace — and it's rapidly entering our classrooms. Surveys show that over 80% of students are already using AI tools for schoolwork, with many saying it improves their grades, but nearly half worry about misuse or ethical gray areas.
When used thoughtfully, AI can personalize learning and strengthen engagement. But without guidance, it can also weaken critical thinking and academic integrity, with research showing students who relied on AI for exams actually scored lower than peers who did not.
Rather than ignoring or fearing it, we must teach students how to use AI responsibly — as a tool for creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving, not a shortcut. As a Board member, I will advocate for innovative pedagogical practices around AI through:
According to the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Northern Valley Regional High School District, the operating cost per pupil (excluding capital and debt-service costs) is $35,000. That's a major investment by our community — and families deserve to know how these dollars are being allocated, why certain decisions are made, and whether spending is truly reaching the classroom.
Too often, budgets are presented in ways that are hard for the average taxpayer to follow. Clear, accessible reporting isn't just about dollars and cents — it's about building trust between the district and the community.
As a Board member, I will advocate for fiscal transparency & accountability through:
Transparency builds trust, and trust is essential for strong schools.
My husband and I are raising two young boys here in Demarest, and like so many parents, I want our schools to be places where students can thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally. My perspective as both a parent and a physician drives my commitment to ensuring our schools balance academic excellence, mental well-being, innovation, and fiscal responsibility.
I serve on the Demarest Combined Zoning and Planning Board, where I've gained experience in thoughtful, collaborative decision-making. I also collaborate regularly with the Demarest Public Library to develop community programming, often involving our high school students as mentors and leaders.
I helped launch a parent discussion group on screen time and technology in schools, creating a space to share cutting edge research and for families to share their challenges and solutions. For several years, I've also spoken before the Board of Education to advocate on behalf of students and families.
I believe our community deserves strong schools that prepare students for the future, while being mindful of the pressures they face today. My priorities reflect both what I see as a physician caring for children and what I hear as a parent and community member.
My life's work has centered on caring for children, strengthening families, and serving my community — values I carry into my candidacy for the Board. These experiences have given me firsthand insight into how our schools work — and how they can be strengthened. With my professional experience, community service, and passion for education, I am ready to bring responsible, forward-looking leadership to the Northern Valley Regional High School District Board of Education.