“I am excited to run for Niagara County Legislator for the third district, where I grew up and where my husband and I are raising our family. My family has a long history of public service here in Niagara Falls. My grandfather, John DeSantis, was a judge, and my father, Thomas DeSantis worked on various projects as Senior Planner for the City of Niagara Falls. From a young age, they instilled in me  a passion for supporting my community, and an understanding of the importance of participating in government. I would be honored to follow in their footsteps and work for the people in my district to improve this community I love.

 

After graduating from Niagara Falls High School, I earned my B.S. in nutrition from San Diego State University. During this time, I worked in the restaurant industry,  volunteered at food banks, Meals on Wheels, and worked on research projects at the University. When I moved back to Western New York, I completed a dietetic internship and earned my master’s degree in Nutrition Science from the University at Buffalo. After finishing my thesis, I started a private practice and began my career as an outpatient dietitian. I have published a cookbook, authored articles for national magazines, appeared on podcasts and Lori and Friend’s cooking show. For the last six years, I have been on the board of the Western New York Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and currently serve as Past-President.

 

Every day,  I work hard to improve the quality of life of the people I work with. As County Legislator, I will apply that same ethic and passion to being a leader in our community. My life and work experiences have given me first-hand practice working with different stakeholders on projects, collaborating in group and one-on-one settings with all different people,analyzing and interpreting data, balancing budgets and working together to accomplish a shared goal.  I also feel I am experienced in identifying opportunities, and how best to utilize resources. In the third district we have a waterfront that is full of potential, opportunities for economic development, and a need for investment in our people to make sure quality jobs are available and accessible right here in Niagara. I want my children to grow up in a place they are proud to be a part of, and one where they want to stay.

 

In the coming months, I look forward to connecting with you, and hearing about your needs and concerns. Together we can find long-term solutions to the issues in our district.”