Lori has called the 51st District home for over 6 years (Illinois for 30 years) and is currently raising her two daughters. She knows the struggles families face and why so many are frustrated with Springfield.

For more than 25 years, Lori has dedicated her career to special education, running a therapeutic day school that helps children with severe disabilities gain the skills they need to thrive.

Experience that belongs in Springfield

Lori did not start in politics. She started with students.

As a teacher, she worked with children who needed more time, more skill, and more advocacy.

As a director of special education and student services, she ran programs, managed staff, followed the law, and made sure families were not left to fight the system alone.

As a superintendent, she led at the district level — setting direction, protecting students, and answering for how the money was spent.

She also ran a therapeutic day school that helped children with severe disabilities gain the skills they need to thrive.

That work taught her the same lesson she will take to Springfield: if you do not protect kids and you do not watch the dollars, you are failing the public.

Education

• B.A., Elementary Education

• B.A., Psychology

• M.Ed., Special Education

• Doctoral candidate

Two bachelor’s degrees. A master’s degree. A doctorate in progress. She earned those credentials to lead schools well — not to decorate a campaign mailer.

Family and community

• Proud mother of two daughters

• Longtime educator and school leader

• Advocate for students with the greatest needs

• Rooted in service as part of a proud military family

Lori is not a politician. She is a fighter, a neighbor, and a trusted school leader who will stand up for our families, our schools, and our district.