I’m a lifelong South Whitehall resident, a Parkland graduate, and a mom of three raising my family in the same community that raised me.
My children attend schools across the Parkland School District, and my work takes me into schools across the Lehigh Valley every day. I see firsthand what’s working, where our systems are failing, and how decisions made in Harrisburg play out in real time for our students, teachers, administrators, and families.
I grew up in a family business that has provided business-to-business coffee services to Lehigh Valley workplaces since 1988. Helping run a company that supports other local employers shaped my worldview early on: you show up, you work hard, and you stay accountable to the people who depend on you.
As a third-generation Holocaust survivor, that sense of responsibility runs even deeper. I am an outspoken advocate against antisemitism because I believe our leaders must be the first line of defense against hate—and the protectors of our community’s safety and dignity.
Professionally, I serve as a drug educator and prevention specialist, working directly with students, families, and educators to address substance use, mental health, and student safety. My work is also informed by my own journey. As someone in long-term recovery and a longtime champion for the recovery community, I have spent years building the support systems that save lives.
Whether serving on the Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol Board or working in our classrooms, I approach every challenge with both deep empathy and firm accountability.
Everything I do is rooted in this community. I believe District 132 deserves a representative who is already on the ground, doing the work, and understands the real challenges facing our families and workforce.
I’m not removed from these challenges—I’m living them and working on them every day.
Meet Caren
My Work
My work is rooted in the day-to-day realities facing our schools, families, and communities. As a drug educator and prevention specialist, I work directly with students, families, educators, and school leaders across the Lehigh Valley to address substance use, mental health, and student safety.
I am in classrooms, assemblies, and small-group settings every day—having real conversations with students about the challenges they face and equipping them with the tools to make better decisions. I also work closely with educators and families to identify gaps, strengthen support systems, and respond to emerging issues as they arise.
My perspective is shaped not only by my work in schools today, but by my broader experience in the field. I previously worked as a social worker in Philadelphia, supporting children and working within the justice system. Those experiences gave me a deeper understanding of how early challenges, if left unaddressed, can follow individuals and families for years.
Today, I work for a nationally recognized nonprofit treatment center in a strategic programming role, designing and delivering prevention and education initiatives that reach students, families, and communities across the Lehigh Valley. This work keeps me ahead of emerging trends and ensures the programs we implement are practical, effective, and grounded in real-world needs.
I also serve on the Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, contributing to prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts across our community.
This work is also deeply personal. As someone in long-term recovery and a certified recovery specialist, I have spent years advocating for the prevention and recovery resources that save lives and strengthen families.
I’ve seen these challenges from every angle—and I’ve dedicated my career to being part of the solution.
I decided to run for State Representative because of what I’ve seen—both as a parent and through my work in our schools and community. Every day, I work with students, families, and educators navigating real challenges, and too often, the systems meant to support them are falling short. I’ve spent years working to address these issues from the outside—and I’ve come to understand that real change requires a seat at the table.
I’m not approaching these issues from a distance. I see how decisions made in Harrisburg impact our classrooms, our families, and our communities in real time—and I believe we need leaders who are more connected to the realities people are facing. When you’re in a position of leadership, you have the ability—and the responsibility—to use that authority to create meaningful change. Our community deserves leadership that understands what’s actually happening and is willing to focus on real solutions—not politics.
I’m running to bring that perspective to the table, with a focus on the issues that matter most to our district: affordability for our families—especially as everyday costs like energy, housing, and groceries continue to rise—accountability in how our tax dollars are spent, and stronger schools for our children. We need practical, common-sense solutions that strengthen our classrooms, address the real challenges students and families are facing every day—including mental health, substance use, and student safety—and ensure our communities are safe and supported.
That also means making sure resources—from school funding to opioid settlement dollars—are used effectively, transparently, and in ways that truly make a difference for the people they’re intended to serve. It also means ensuring that decisions made in Harrisburg aren’t driving up costs for families, especially when it comes to energy and everyday expenses.
At the end of the day, this campaign is about representation. I’m not running to be another voice for party leadership—I’m running to be a voice for our community. District 132 deserves someone who is already on the ground, doing the work, listening to families, and understanding the challenges we’re facing—not just during election season, but every day.
I’m running to bring real-world experience, fiscal accountability, and a solutions-focused approach to Harrisburg—and to make sure our community has a strong, informed voice at the table.
Why I'm Running
Guided by Principles, Focused on Results
Integrity & Accountability
Community-First Leadership
Practical, Solutions-Focused Approach
Leadership starts with accountability. I believe in transparency. responsible decision-making, and making sure government answers to the people, not political interests.
Decisions should reflect the real needs of the people they impact. I believe in listening, showing up, and making choices based on what's best for the community- not party agendas or outside pressure.
I'm not interested in talking points- I'm focused on solutions. That means addressing challenges head-on, working collaboratively, and delivering results that actually make a difference for families.
Stand with Caren
This campaign is about real representation for our community. I'm in our schools daily, working with students, families, and educators- and I see firsthand where we need real solutions.
If you believe we need leadership that shows up, listens, and delivers results- not politics- I'd be honored to have your support.