I am extremely excited to serve our children, teachers & community, as a newly elected BOE member, filling one of two Marion District seats. My family originally moved to McDowell County in 1975.  I attended Old Fort Elementary School, West McDowell Middle School & McDowell High School. In 1987, I received my RN Degree from Cabarrus Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and my BSN from Western Carolina University in 1992. I finished my MSN from Duke University in 1994 (don't hold that against me all you UNC fans). I have been practicing as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner since that time. 

I have broad experience in general pediatrics/primary care, school-based health care services, emergency medical care, pediatric mental health management & developmental pediatrics. I am presently employed as a PNP-PC by Mission Pediatrics-McDowell. I recently received my Certification as a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist. 

Caring for the children in our community has been my passion & life's work. I am equally passionate about my family. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Scott Helms.  We are the proud parents of 9 amazing children, ranging in ages from 8-25 years.  Our children attend West Marion Elementary, West McDowell Middle, McDowell High, and McDowell Virtual Academy.  Four of our children have special needs including Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy & Arthrogryposis.  As a mother of many, including children with special needs,  I have a unique perspective & experience within our school system.  I look forward to serving you, as we work together to ensure an environment of educational excellence, for every child within our school system.