My Background

I was born and raised in Springfield, Delaware County along with my sister and brother. My mother, Claire Hushion was always involved in community service. She was a member of the League of Women Voters and the Springfield Democratic Committee, where she also served as Chairwoman. Claire made a point to meet everyone and always offered to help elderly neighbors with household chores or grocery shopping. Since I was the youngest child, I usually accompanied her and mostly remember thinking she spent a lot of time talking to people.

My father, William Hushion, is a retired doctor who specialized in addiction treatment. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a member of the American Legion. I have great memories of seeing him march at the front of every Fourth of July and Memorial Day parade as the American Flag holder. My father also served on the Springfield School Board having won on the Democratic ballot even though he was a registered Republican!

I guess all that social work and political activism inspired me to volunteer with Project H.O.P.E. at my church, St. Charles, and to help out in my own neighborhood. I joined the Upper Darby Democratic Committee five years ago and have served as the fifth District Leader, Fundraising Chairperson, and Editor of our newsletter. I was the District Coordinator for the Sestak campaign and have enjoyed being involved in the recent successes of the Democratic Party.

I hold an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and was elected President of the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association in college. I worked as an assistant teacher at The Nicholas School in Clifton Heights for four years before accepting a teaching position with Marple-Newtown’s school age child care program. I became a Director there and enjoyed many years of helping children and their families. In 1998 I became the Director of The Infant Friendship Center in University City. I was responsible for the curriculum, staff and budget, but working with the families to improve their quality of care was the most rewarding part.

I returned to college in 2005 to earn the credits necessary to become a Health Unit Coordinator, and am currently employed part-time at Crozer-Chester Hospital. I am happy to have the extra time to spend with my two youngest children, ages three and five, as I had with my oldest son, who is now in college. My husband and our children are looking forward to many more happy years in Upper Darby where I hope that I can serve as the next Mayor. I am eager to work with the residents and I have many ideas for improving our Township!