Starting at a very young age, books became my pathway into the world. I grew up in a large family in the very small town of Alton, Utah. I spent many an afternoon and evening (often into the wee hours of the morning) reading. My favorites for a time were the series, Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burrows and Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne. I also spent many hours with Laura Ingalls and Sacajawea. My days were spent re-enacting their lives with my sisters and friends. Today my love of reading has not diminished. I still love to get lost in a good series. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke and the King's Fountain series by Jeff Wheeler are two of my newest favorites. I especially enjoy sharing great stories with my students and grandchildren.
After graduating from Valley High, I attended Southern Utah State College graduating with a degree in Elementary Education with a emphasis in child development, math, and physical sciences. While at college, I discovered that my love of education is as strong as my love for reading. Upon graduation, I was offered a job here in Escalante where I taught for two years. During that time, I met Dirk, married, and we started our family here in Escalante. Then after a short stint in Cedar City, we returned to Escalante where I have taught ever since. Escalante has proven to be the ideal place to raise our family which has grown to include three daughters, five sons, and 10 incredible grandchildren. I have continued my education to include a Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction in Reading and endorsements in mathematics and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
My new found joy is traveling. My children have successfully spread across the United States thus encouraging many adventures. I have now driven as far north as Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; as far south as Killeen, Texas; and as far east as Clarksville, Tennessee with a favorite stop at Raysville, Missouri in the middle of the country. The various communities along the inner passage of Alaska have called me back more than once. I have enjoyed a lot of new scenery, fantastic food, various wildlife and different cultures along the way. My biggest joy has been seeing land formations and historical sights previously only enjoyed through books. I am always planning my next grand adventure.