She was raised in San Diego, California, and attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Arts.

She won a seat on the school board and served for ten years, including five as chair.

Governor of Idaho Butch Otter appointed her to the state board of education in 2014.

She won the primary election in May, defeating Branden Durst and Sherri Ybarra, the incumbent superintendent.

[3] She won the general election against Terry Gilbert, the Democratic Party nominee.