If you go to the courthouse in Fayette County, there is a plaque that tells the story of Abraham Vandall. A first-generation Dutch immigrant, Abraham fought alongside George Washington and bought a parcel of land in what was then Virginia, and is where the town of Fayetteville now sits. This same Abraham Vandall is my ancestor, and I wear his surname with pride. On the other side of the coin, my great-grandfather, Patsy Greco, came to West Virginia from Italy during the 1930s. My maternal grandmother is a first-generation Italian immigrant, and that resilience speaks to how I take care of my family and protect those who need it. West Virginia is not only the place I was born and raised, but it runs in my very blood. 

I was born in Raleigh County to working-class parents who still live in the house I grew up in on a hill in Mount Hope. My father was a nurse, and my mother still serves Raleigh County as a teacher. I went to WVU and got my degree in Multidisciplinary Studies and then a Master’s in Education. I’ve worked at the high school I graduated from for the last decade. I am dedicated to southern West Virginia and to her future.

One of the first things I did when I started my career was look into a union. I know the importance of labor movements and how they are the only reason workers aren’t exploited when they work correctly. I was a part of WVEA until the historic and necessary merger with AFT last March. I currently serve on the executive committee for our county chapter of Education West Virginia. 

Currently, within the community, I work with various groups to help those I can. I am the sponsor for Woodrow Wilson High School’s chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). I worship at Crab Orchard Baptist Church, and help with one of their programs there to feed the hungry.

I want to help the people of West Virginia and help your voice be heard. I hope I can count on your vote!