A little more about me:

This is my seventeenth year as an educator and 9th year in third grade. I've taught in middle school, high school, and elementary. I really love being a third grade teacher because it's so exciting to be part of such an important, transitional year for students. I received my undergraduate degree from Syracuse University, and my master's degree from Mount Saint Mary College in NY.

My philosophy of education is that all children with all their unique abilities are able to learn and grow as students. Where we begin the academic year is not where we end. Challenges are opportunities for growth, and together we meet challenges with determination, hard work, compassion and a little laughter.

I've been married for over 30 years, and have three sons and two cats. All of my sons are grown up now and live on their own. As an Army family, we've been blessed to in many places. My husband and I arrived in Japan in July 2018. Before that, we lived in Korea for five years.

Although I was born in NY, Hawaii is where I call home. My family lived there from 2005 to 2013. My children all went to elementary, middle and high school in Kapolei, HI. You will see from my aloha-themed classroom that Hawaii is where my heart is. We visit at least once every year to see our extended ohana. It is where we plan to live after our time in Japan is complete.