For 22+ years, I have taught most levels of elementary school and one year at UNCC as the teacher in residence for the Math Department. I am on my second round of being National Board Certified in Early Childhood Education. I also have my Master's degree in Reading K-12. While at UNCC, I started the Mecklenburg Math Club and led a specialty group of Math Olympiads. I've also judged and coached Odyssey of the Mind, softball, and a scrapbook club. I believe in active learning and using the outdoors when possible. I was a key participant in the implementation of U.T.O.T.E.S.(Using the Outdoors to teach Experiential Science) professional development and developing outdoor learning areas in my first school.

Though I was born in the SW mountains of NC, I spent some time as a child in S. Florida prior to returning to the mountains in middle school. I love to hike, camp, fish, and kayak. I also spent a great deal of time mountain and road biking in the late 1990's. I am passionately curious and have done a great deal of traveling mostly across the U.S. and Europe. I love to journal, read and do almost anything creative. I have a diverse love of music and become extremely excited over things like fireworks, funky post-its, Christmas, spontaneity, Sharpies and more! I firmly believe anything is possible and that there are many alternatives to use in place of "I can't". ALL are capable! I work diligently until the student and I find how to best connect and to comprehend according to their interests and strengths.

I am currently staying at home to spend as much time with my family as possible. I have a great sense of humor and love to cut-up! However, a core philosophy is to work hard so you can play hard.