I entered my lifetime career of teaching after I graduated from Jacksonville University, a liberal arts university located on the banks of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. I am among the first graduates with a degree in Exceptional Child Education. My areas of study were Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotionally Handicapped. I worked at J.U. in the reading lab tutoring children as well as adults who struggled with reading during my undergraduate studies. Upon graduation I began teaching elementary aged students in all academic areas and just completed my 29th year in the classroom. Along the way I earned a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and began my Specialist Degree. I have been lucky to have tutored students in small groups and one-on-one. My philosophy on teaching and learning is everyone can be successful when using the right tools. Some of my outside interest include watching CUBS baseball, doing anything outside that involves nature and crafting.