About Me

I have been married to Dan for 12 years and we have 2 children, ages 9 and 11. I also have 4 adult stepdaughters and 2 grandchildren.

I was born to Cyril and Patricia Cernohous. I was raised in Hudson and worked on the family farm. We raised sweet corn and sold it in the parking lot of the old ballpark (current site of the post office). Starting at age 15, I worked at Pizza Hut for 10 years. During that time, I also worked at Wendy’s for 2 years. I graduated from Hudson High School in 1992.

I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from UW-River Falls in 1996. I completed my junior year of college in Guadalajara, Mexico. While attending UW-RF, I served for 6 months as a volunteer mentor at Turningpoint and completed an internship with the Dakota County Program Unit making bail recommendations.

I earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Minnesota in 1999. In addition to still working full-time at Pizza Hut, I also worked as a teacher’s assistant at the U of MN.

I then obtained a law degree from William Mitchell in 2002. While attending law school, I worked at Dick’s Bar & Grill for 2 years, and then at Green Mill for 1 year. I worked as a research assistant and on law review. I completed a summer internship with a personal injury firm. I participated as a student-lawyer in the legal aid program assisting Minnesota prisoners with legal issues. I volunteered as a mediator in Ramsey County Conciliation Court. I also worked as a legal assistant for a family attorney.

I have been a Public Defender for over 13 years. I began working in Monroe County, then went to Chippewa County, and finally transferred to the Hudson office. For the majority of the time, I have covered Dunn County. Due to agency policy, I was required to take an unpaid leave of absence in order to run for this election.

Currently, I volunteer as a Hudson Booster softball coach. I also volunteer as a religious education teacher at St. Patrick’s Church in Hudson and during the parish's Fall Fest. I participate in the Backpack Program and the Hudson Softball Association. I donate regularly to the American Red Cross and to St. Jude's. In the past, I was a volunteer teacher with the Junior Achievement Program.