Sarah's Story
A Lifelong Learner, Community Advocate, and Neurodivergent Mom Fighting for Every Child
- Sarah’s roots in Peoria run deep. Born here and back by age 11, she grew up in our neighborhoods, our schools, and our community—graduating from Richwoods High School in 2006. Her curiosity and love of learning took her to Anderson University in Indiana, where she dove into academic research, writing, and history. She earned a BFA as a double major in Bible & Religion and Fine Arts before heading to Boston to complete a postgraduate degree in Animation at Lesley University.
- No matter where she lived, Peoria was always home. Sarah returned to start a family with her husband, Scott, a City of Peoria firefighter. Their household reflects the heart of public service—from Scott’s Fill the Firetruck Initiative, which provides over 1,000 backpacks to local students each summer, to Sarah’s community organizing, rally planning, fundraising, and political education work.
- As a neurodivergent mom raising two neurodivergent children—Lourdes at Mark Bills and Locke at Whittier—Sarah understands firsthand the importance of inclusive, supportive schools. She illustrates children’s books, analyzes policy, and brings her unique blend of creativity, empathy, and research-driven problem-solving to every challenge she tackles.
Her journey has always been about one thing: making a meaningful difference for Peoria’s kids and families.
