Prior to her tenure in the state house she was active in local politics in Brattleboro, Vermont.

She graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and graduated from Goddard College with a Master of Fine Arts degree.

[1] Burke was elected as one of thirteen town meeting representatives from the 3rd district in Brattleboro, Vermont, in 1990.

Burke ran with the Vermont Progressive and Democratic nominations and won in the general election without opposition.

[15] During her tenure in the state house she served on the Transportation committee.