I am a fourth generation native to Colorado. I was born in Denver, grew up in Crested Butte, and moved to Arvada for High School. I stuck with the Colorado theme when I went to Colorado State University in Fort Collins and received my BA in History. From there I began to pursue my true passion: teaching. I received my Elementary Educators license from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2000 and my Masters in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction in 2009. I first began teaching in Adams 12 School District in 2000 where I taught 4th and 5th grades in both Thornton and Broomfield for seven years before moving to Parker with my family in 2007. I helped open and taught 4th grade at Mammoth Heights Elementary for eight years. However, in 2015-2016, I stepped out of the classroom to pursue another passion of mine, which was coaching and mentoring teachers my last year at Mammoth Heights. I went back to the classroom in 2016-2017 to teach fourth grade and then I moved to Gold Rush in the 2017-2018 school year. I am thrilled to be starting my ninth year at this wonderful school in this amazing community! In total, I’ve spent 25 wonderful and blessed years in education. Education is my passion and watching your children grow to be strong, independent critical thinkers is why I teach.
As I said before, we live right here in Parker. I love teaching in the community where I live; it allows me to stay connected to my children and the entire Parker community. I have been married to my husband for 24 years, and we have two wonderful daughters. Emily, 22, just graduated college and is now entering the corporate world of business to put into practice her BS in Business Administration from Colorado State, and Abby, 19, will be a Junior at Colorado State. As a family we enjoy traveling, playing Pickleball, walking, and hanging out together. My own hobbies include reading, rooting for CSU Rams, exercising on my Peloton, watching Marvel and Star Wars shows and movies (especially anything Baby Yoda {Grogu} which you'll soon see), walking to enjoy our beautiful weather and scenery.
Favorite Drinks: Black or Green Iced Tea (no sweetner), Water
Favorite Books: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Kristin Hannah (author)
Favorite Snacks: anything healthy (almonds, skinny pop, boom chica pop)
Favorite Flower: Sunflower (betcha couldn't tell) or daisies
Favorite Restaurant: anything local (sushi from Kurosawa is a family favorite), Los Dos Potrillos, etc.
Favorite Candy: none
Favorite Fruit: depends on the season--blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, honey crisp apples
Favorite Scent: lavender, vanilla, eucalyptus
Favorite Sport: CSU Ram Football; Nuggets and of course, I wouldn't be a native if I didn't support our Broncos