Biography

I am beginning my 22nd year here at Monaview Elementary. I have 27 years of teaching experience (3 years teaching 4th, 7 years in 3rd, 7 in teaching 2nd grade, and 10 years of RTI). I graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1995 with a degree in Elementary Education. In the Spring of 2015 I completed my Master's Degree in the area of Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Reading. Additionally, I have a Literacy Teacher Endorsement. In 2016 I renewed my National Board Certification in the area of Early Childhood Generalist.

I am married and have three wonderful children; Alexis (27), Madelyn (20), and Nicklaus (12).

My parents, twin sister, and younger brother live in Springfield, Virginia (outside of Washington, D.C.) When I was younger my father was in the Navy and I spent much of my childhood moving around the country (Florida, Texas, California, Virginia, and Hawaii).

In my spare time, I enjoy cross-stitching, scrap booking, attending Broadway Musicals (Les Miserable and Titanic are my favorite!), traveling, spending time with my family, and reading mysteries (especially Mary Higgins Clark and Jodi Picoult!).

When I was little I wanted to become so many things: a fire fighter, a choreographer, a pediatrician, and a teacher. My parents always taught me that no matter what I wanted to be, an education was the key to open that door. Teaching allows me to pass on that message and inspire young children to make their dreams come true. They can become anything they want to be when they take pride in themselves and their education.