It is such a pleasure to begin my third year as a 5th grade teacher at Heritage Elementary! I may be relatively new to the 5th grade staff, but I am not new to Heritage and definitely not new to teaching! I have been teaching since 2001. My first two years were in Orange County, California before moving back to Colorado in 2003 and teaching in Jeffco Public Schools through 2016. I have taught grades 3rd-6th over the years, subbed for 4 years for K-6th, and have found something to love with each grade level. With an M.B.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, I am passionate about devising engaging and effective teaching methods that ensure my students are captivated, can easily follow along, and gain a deep understanding of the material.
One of my favorite things about teaching is the relationships that are cultivated in the classroom with my students. I strive to maintain a solid, positive rapport with all my students, so that trust is earned on both sides. I have high expectations for my students because I have seen how they will rise. I truly believe any child can learn--it's just figuring out the best way to get them there!
My husband of 18 years, Chris.
Christmas in NYC, 2019.
MY FAMILY...
My husband, Chris, and I live within 5 minutes of Heritage Elementary. Our youngest two children have attended Heritage since kindergarten/preschool. We have three amazing children. Nathan is a 2024 Highlands Ranch High School graduate and is working full time to go to school for mechanical engineering. Emma is beginning her freshman year at Mountain Vista High School and is excited to be on the JV Poms team. Kaden is in 6th grade at Heritage and loves everything Mickey Mouse, swimming and playing the clarinet. Our two Havanese doggies, MJ and Wally round out our family. We love to take trips to Disney, New York, and Indiana (where my husband's family is), have family game nights, go to the park or pool to be active, attending Rockies games in the summer, watch movies, and just spend as much family time together as possible.
In addition to my education degree, I have a B.F.A. in Theater Arts from the University of Northern Colorado and also hold a CNA license. I love the performing arts (theater, ballet, the symphony, etc.) and try to go when I can. I love reading (favorite is Harry Potter), Starbucks Chai Lattes, going out to eat, crocheting, diamond painting, Disney and the Colorado outdoors!
2022 Family Disney trip.
HOW I CAME TO BE AT HERITAGE...
I left teaching in 2016 after 17 years in the classroom to be a full-time mom, especially for my son, Kaden. He was born with a genetic disorder called DiGeorge Syndrome, which left him with several impacting health issues right from the start--ranging from rare heart defects, seizures, migraines, respiratory issues, auto immune disease, GI issues, muscular challenges, among many others. He has had 5 major heart surgeries (the most recent being April 2024) as well as 14 other additional surgeries. It was a very difficult decision to step away from teaching full-time, but I knew I needed to be home with him during those early years when he was very sick to support him. He is now 12 years old and, thankfully, doing very well! He was even granted a wish from Make-A-Wish in March of 2025 and our family enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Orlando, Florida!
In 2019, I decided to begin subbing at Heritage and subbed for K-6th grade over 4 years. In January of 2023, I did a long-term sub job in 5th grade for Mrs. Howard and was fortunate enough to be asked to stay! My heart has always been in the classroom and I am so excited to be back full-time. I look forward to spending this next year together!
My youngest, Kaden, with a picture of him at 6 months after his 2nd open heart surgery.
My daughter, Emma, in her Vista Poms uniform.
Our fur babies, Wally and MJ.
My first-born son, Nathan.