My name is Jennifer Pineda, and I am so excited to be a part of Empower Virtual Program.  This will be my 25th year teaching with experience in all subjects kindergarten through 6th grade!  I am so thankful for the experience across grade levels because it allows me to understand where my students have been academically, where they are now, and where they need to be.  I enjoy being a lifelong learner and want to instill this desire in my students as they learn to ask questions and investigate the world around them.  As a part of the Empower faculty, I am so excited to help bring this aspect to students in a whole new way!

   My favorite times of all is spending time with my family.  My husband, daughter, and I are actively involved in our community and our church. My daughter will be graduating from high school this year!

   Music has always been a staple in my life.  I enjoy singing and playing piano. My expert instrument is the clarinet, though I haven't played that in years! I've also learned a little on guitar though I am still quite the beginner. While music has always been at the forefront, I also enjoy baking and cake decorating, quilting, reading, and am trying to develop a green thumb and an eye for landscaping.

   I have several pets which currently include 3 cats and 2 dogs. While it is tempting, I have no intentions of adding any more to our household.  The most pets we had at one time was a cat, 3 dogs, a bearded dragon, 2 leopard geckos, about 20 salt-water fish, and a guinea pig!  While we loved all of them, it is nice to have fewer members of our zoo!