Teaching:  After graduating from WIU in 2001, I taught in the Peoria area before coming to Washington.  I have been employed at Central District 51 since 2006, when I joined the Kindergarten team as a paraprofessional.  I was hired the following year as a member of the 5th grade team where I have been ever since.  In addition to teaching ELA, I am Central's Speech Coach and Drama Director!  

Family:  I live in East Peoria with my hubby, Brian, who is an OSF nurse.  Both of our families are in the area and we enjoy hanging out with them often!

Fun:  Some of my favorite things to do are READING a good book, traveling to new places, hiking, attending local theater, and cooking at home!

All time favorite books-

Poetry: Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein 

Historical Fiction:  Jackie and Me by Dan Gutman

Newbery:  Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary 

1st Book in a Series:  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Biography: Who was Thomas Alva Edison? by Margaret Frith