Let me introduce myself to those of you who may not know me. I was born and raised in Texas, and 25 years ago, my husband of 37 years, Dr. Kraig Peel, and I chose to make Fort Collins our home. We were fortunate to raise our four children—Shayla, Keri, Kace, and Sawyer—here, taking full advantage of the excellent schools and the many amenities our community offers.

I often tell people that the City of Fort Collins helped me raise my children. Through its outstanding programs and services, this community shaped our family—and I’m proud to say all four of our kids have chosen careers in public service, each committed to loving and caring for others.

My professional background is in education. Over the years, I’ve helped launch several education initiatives, including a preschool program for underserved children on the Texas–Mexico border. I’ve also served on multiple education boards and committees focused on the well-being of children.

More recently, I served on the Fort Collins City Council—an experience I often describe as “the best job ever.” During my time on Council, I was honored to serve on the Legislative Affairs Committee, the Finance Committee, and as a liaison to several boards and commissions. Nationally, I represented our city as a member of the National League of Cities’ Family and Youth Advisory Board.

As a council member, I felt privileged to host more listening sessions than any other member, giving me the opportunity to deeply hear the needs and concerns of our residents. In a survey conducted by a local organization, I was recognized as one of the most well-regarded council members—something I attribute to my commitment to building bridges and working with everyone in our community.

Currently, I serve on the Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Commission, where I continue to deepen my understanding of our city’s land use code and development processes.

I would be honored to serve as your mayor and help make Fort Collins a city that truly works for everyone.