I’m a Wife, Mother, Caseworker, and Teacher
A Regular Person Running in a Special Election
Brandon, my husband, has worked in manufacturing for 20 years. We bought our home in Saginaw Township nearly 15 years ago.
We’re honest, hardworking, Michiganders.
We don’t have money. We don’t attend party meetings. We have never run for office. Against all odds; I feel called to serve.
Quality schools, affordable healthcare and safe communities-these simple needs unite us. Somehow these things have taken a back seat to political infighting and hurt feelings. And frankly, I’m sick of it.
No one person or party has all the answers; but we all have a piece of the puzzle. When we come together, we can see the bigger picture. We can make government work for everyone.
I have centered my life and career on serving families, veterans, seniors, students and those down-on-their-luck.
I serve because I believe in second chances. I serve because I believe that we become our best selves in the service of our neighbor. What greater way to serve than be your voice in Lansing? Elect Serenity Hope as your District 35 Senator!
Wanna Know More About Me? Well…
I’m a Teacher, Caseworker, and Aviator
I worked at the Department of Health and Human Services as an Assistance Payments Worker for 11 years. Nine of those years were spent in Saginaw County. I answered the phone as “Serenity” and not “Mrs. Salak”. I administered Food Assistance, Medicaid, Child and Day Care Assistance as well as State Emergency Relief funds.
Realizing that my work at MDHHS alone couldn’t lift Saginaw families out of poverty, I stepped away from the Department to pursue a new path.
I started substitute teaching in November 2021. I adored subbing Middle School—yes, even with all the eye rolls and ….odors. Getting jealous that I always subbed in “sissy’s school”, my son asked me to sub at his school. I subbed in an Emotional Impairment Special Education Room in October 2022. Two weeks later, I was working in the EI Room full time. It was the best. There were still eye rolls….but also snacks and brain breaks. This school year, I joined the Loomis Math, Science and Technology Academy as their building support sub. That’s a fancy way of saying “helper”. I teach, create inviting spaces, organize closets and build relationships with our future leaders.
And, if life isn’t full of enough surprises, my husband decided to get his pilot’s license this year. Enjoy this photo of me summoning the utmost confidence in Brandon.
More About My Amazing Family
Brandon can be summed up in one word—Dad. This guy loves being a dad more than anything else…and has the jokes to prove it.
My husband has worked in manufacturing for nearly 20 years. He started as a “saw guy”, “did shipping and receiving” and “forklift operating”. “I worked my way up to production machining, then tool crib and then I went from there to precision grinding, and then I went from that to being in quality control where I have done NDT, visual and dimensional inspection, CMM programming and operating etc.” he says. His favorite part of his job is no day is the same and he’s always learning something new.
Brandon works 50-55 hours a week, serves as an assistant facilities representative and is our ward’s Elder’s Quorum Activity Coordinator. He’s also managing the day-to-day of the campaign (and by that, I mean making sure the kids have eaten and everyone has clean clothes). I’m so blessed!
Brandon graduated from Freeland High School in 2006. Go Falcons!
Nadia (15) really did not want to be featured on the website. When I told her that Mom’s campaign was about families, she relented. We get a few pictures and these two quotes:
“Vote for my Mom. She does the jobs that no one else wants to. She loves everyone.”
I am also allowed to share with you that she enjoys softball, volleyball and golf. She is a freshman this year. And she “wouldn’t be surprised” if I won the election. Her faith gives me faith!
Christian (8) wants voters to know that he can do a front flip on the trampoline. He also enjoys fashion and break dancing. His favorite subject in school is Math.
Christian, when asked if he thought Mom was going to win the election said “Yes! Because you’re nice!” He was unavailable for further comment as he couldn’t pause his Roblox game.