PROTECT OUR BRAVE LITTLE STATE

Welcome!

I’ve been a lot of things in my life, and now I’m running to be your State Representative for Chittenden-14. (That's the Hill Section, Redstone Campus, and the Buell/Bradley St area.)

My Story 

I grew up in New York, graduated from Williams College, wandered the world in my twenties, earned two master’s degrees and a doctorate (UVM and Oxford), and landed back in Burlington for good in 2002 when I met my now-husband and business partner, Andrew Allen.

Since settling down in Vermont, I’ve co-owned a boutique web and graphic design agency, managed properties, helped unionize local adjunct faculty, and taught at Champlain College. In 2022, I traded grading papers for growing cannabis and making artisanal chocolate—until market saturation made getting out the smart business move. Lately, I’ve been pinch-hitting as a consultant at my husband's digital marketing agency, helping to strategize and roll out the company's transition to AI.

Why I’m Running 

I had zero intention of running for the Statehouse. Over the past ten years, I’ve been focused on teaching my students, running businesses and creating jobs, and being the primary caretaker for my father as he was dying of a neurodegenerative disease. 

But when a spot was vacant on our district's ballot after the primary, I realized that if no one jumped in, the Governor would appoint someone—likely a Republican.

My doctorate is in Austrian Studies, and I’ve spent years studying authoritarian regimes. Sadly, MAGA fits that definition, as I witnessed in person this past March on Dorset Street. 

If there was ever a time for strong, progressive Democrats to hold the line against national overreach, this is it. And I love Vermont and want to protect our beautiful, community-minded way of life. So, on literally a few hours' notice, I stepped up.

Why I’ll Deliver for Our District 

My non-traditional resume might confuse a corporate recruiter, but in the Legislature, diverse perspectives are a superpower.

• Wide-Ranging Real-World Experience: I’ve been an educator, organizer, small business owner, freelancer, renter, homeowner, and ethical landlord (my duplex recently scored the highest possible health and safety rating, and I keep rent below market rate).

• No-Nonsense Intellectual Skills: I can learn pretty much anything that doesn't require height or athletic talent, research like a pro (because I am a pro), and translate complex issues into plain English.

• Relentless Work Ethic: I put in the hours to "do my homework". I have a scrappy, entrepreneurial drive, a nimble, humble, and open mind, and a knack for creative problem-solving.

The Embarrassingly Nerdy Truth

I’m a total data wonk. I show up prepared, dig into the heavy reading, and do the hard work. I’m introverted and a bit shy; wildly irreverent about political BS; and deeply, unflinchingly serious about serving our community in this difficult moment.

Fun Facts

• Proud childless cat lady (stick that in your pipe and smoke it, JD). As you can see, I also adore our sweet rescue dog, Charlie.

• Avid runner, biker, and Nordic skier. I love being outdoors in Vermont.

• Fluent in German; I'm slowly working on learning Spanish because the political situation makes it an important language to know. 

• Trained in Shiatsu massage (unlikely to be useful in the Legislature).

• Past adventures: Hitchhiked the Kalahari, streaked through a monastery, and once (illegally) drove an intercity passenger train in Austria.  (This was in the 1990s and I’ve been respectable and law-abiding ever since, as long as you don't count federal cannabis rules.)