ACE has given me more than experiences; it has given me lifelong friendships and a place where I have always felt at home. I joined ACE in 1994 at just six years old, alongside my parents and older brother. From the very beginning, it became an integral part of my family’s life and values. I was raised to believe that if you can help others, you should. That belief has guided my decades of involvement and service within the organization. It would be an honor to continue that commitment by serving the membership as an officer on the Executive Committee.
The role of secretary is vital to ACE’s success, requiring strong organization, attention to detail and clear, consistent communication to support effective leadership. My professional experience has prepared me to manage these responsibilities. As a licensed behavior specialist working with children with autism, I rely on clear communication and thorough documentation to summarize conversations, meetings and observations accurately, ensuring each client’s needs, progress and care are well recorded. This work requires precision, confidentiality and consistency as I manage detailed records and produce comprehensive reports. Using multiple digital tools has strengthened my ability to multitask and meet deadlines efficiently, while my role as a supervisor has further enhanced my leadership skills and ability to manage complex information, particularly when preparing for audits and ensuring compliance.
Some of my earliest memories are of attending ACE events with my family, helping in small ways, learning and feeling part of something bigger than myself. Over time, those moments grew into meaningful responsibilities. From filling envelopes with registration materials to selling lift hill raffle tickets and working shifts at the ACE Store, I have contributed in a variety of ways, among many others. Presently, you can find me working registration alongside my family at Coaster Con. I have also volunteered at park-sponsored events, including a cleanup weekend at Conneaut Lake Park, helping preserve a place where many created lasting memories before its closure.
ACE has been a constant throughout my life, a thread connecting my childhood to who I am today. I have attended more than 100 regional and national events, and 2026 will mark my 22nd Coaster Con. Each event holds its own memories, but one that will always stand out is the 2002 European Coaster Odyssey. Traveling across Europe for weeks gave me a perspective I never expected. It was not just about the rides and parks. It was about experiencing new cultures and perspectives and realizing how connected and expansive the coaster community truly is.
I have had the opportunity to volunteer for ACE at the IAAPA Expo, but my favorite place to give my time in central Florida is Give Kids The World (GKTW). It is more than a nonprofit; it is a storybook village where critically ill children and their families are given the chance to experience joy, laughter and carefree moments during cost-free vacations to the area’s theme parks and attractions. There is something powerful about being part of a place where happiness is the priority.
One of its most meaningful traditions is also one of its simplest: children getting to eat ice cream for breakfast, a small act that represents freedom and the chance for children to simply be kids. My ACE region has turned this tradition into an annual fundraiser at a regional event. Over the past decade, my family has expanded it by providing a variety of toppings for ice cream sundaes. Though it may seem like a small contribution, it is our way of adding a little extra joy to an already special cause.
Since joining the Western Pennsylvania regional rep team in 2022, I have continued to expand my involvement by helping plan and support local events. I contribute creatively and logistically, with a key role in organizing CoasterBash!, the region’s most complex off-season event. I take pride in being dependable, stepping in wherever needed and helping ensure events run smoothly. I have also served on both the Disciplinary Committee and the ACE Cares Committee. These roles have deepened my understanding of the organization and allowed me to contribute more meaningfully. I value being part of the work that keeps ACE strong and connected, whether by helping uphold standards and accountability or supporting initiatives that give back.
Being part of ACE as a child has given me something truly priceless — a second family. It is impossible to put into words the love, support and sense of belonging ACE has brought into my life for more than three decades. Through this organization, I have built friendships that stretch across the country, and I feel fortunate to have those connections. My years of volunteering with ACE have only deepened my commitment to service. Along the way, I have developed strong organizational skills, attention to detail and clear communication, all of which contribute to my ability to serve as an effective secretary. I also value transparency and open communication, and if elected, I would work to ensure members feel informed, included and connected to the organization’s decisions and direction. I take pride in being someone others can rely on, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back by pouring my time, energy and heart into the organization that has given me so much.