Hi, I'm Angela.
I was born and raised in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and graduated from Coon Rapids High School. To help save money while living at home, I started my college journey at Anoka-Ramsey Community College before transferring to the University of Minnesota. Initially pursuing a career in nursing, I soon realized that my true passion was in education. I transferred to the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where I earned my teaching degree with a History minor.
​
After graduation, I spent nine years teaching Social Studies at Forest Lake Senior High School while also completing my Master's Degree and Administrative Licensure. Today, I serve as the principal at Otter Lake Elementary School in White Bear Lake, MN. Prior to that, I spent nine years at White Bear Lake Area High School-North Campus, first as Associate Principal and then as Principal. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and positive school culture where both staff and students feel like family, and where every student can thrive.
​
I am deeply passionate about the power of family and community partnerships in education, and I believe every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their highest potential.
​
On a more personal note, I am the proud mother of two children, Milo (6th grade) and Lila (10th grade). In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, soaking up the sunshine, and staying active with my dog, Willow, a white lab who always keeps me on my toes.
Simply put, I love our community.
In 1959, my grandparents were among the first couples to build a home in the neighborhood behind Sand Creek Park. My other grandparents lived just a few blocks away, near Shortstop. As a child, I lived behind Lilli Putt, and later, my mom, stepdad, sister, and I relocated to the area near what is now Riverdale.
I have fond memories of walking to Jensen’s Foods or biking to the Coon Rapids Dam. My family was hardworking, and always ready to help anyone in need. While we may have been considered middle class by the outside world, I felt rich because I always had what I needed.
​
After college, I moved back to Coon Rapids and bought my first home just down the road from my grandma. It was then that I began to realize how many people in our community were struggling. Affordable childcare, rising prescription drug costs, and resources for an aging population were becoming significant challenges. Over time, these issues only worsened, and my family has felt their impact firsthand.
​
Now, as a parent of teenagers, it breaks my heart to see the changes in a community I hold so dear. Our schools are under attack, prices continue to rise, prescription drug costs remain unaffordable, and access to quality healthcare is limited. The businesses we once cherished are leaving, and there’s a critical shortage of affordable housing for both young families and seniors. The quality of life in our community has steadily declined over the past 25+ years, and we deserve better.
​
It's time for action. It’s time for change. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for our community!