When I began babysitting children in the neighborhood as a 14-year-old, I figured everybody enjoyed spending time with children as much as a I did. It wasn't until later that I figured out I had a skill that not everybody had, and even more, that I loved doing it. As my experience grew to include teaching, I found that added even more joy, because I love being able to watch understanding dawn on their faces. I love getting to find their strengths and interests. I love preparing them for the next grade, and ultimately life. I love being able to be a person that they can trust. Education was one of my minors at the University of Florida, where I obtained my bachelor's degree. With that, I spent multiple volunteer/observation hours in public school classrooms. I already had an interest in education when I spent three months in Uganda volunteering at an orphanage for children with special needs, but it was during this time that I fell in love with special education. I was a paraprofessional for 1.5 years while obtaining my Master's degree in Special Education at Grand Canyon University. I've personally always been an English and Social Sciences person. I do enjoy Elementary Math and the new methods to teaching and learning math now. I taught in a special education (Cross-Categorical Behavioral) classroom for two and a half years, meaning I worked with students with behavioral difficulties, many of whom were on grade level curriculum-wise. My experience with special education has extended my ability to teach general curriculum, equipping me with skills to extend lessons, accommodate students' learning styles, and manage behavior. Outside of academia I am a huge hiking fanatic. I also love board games, spending time with friends, and going to Cubs games.