I was born and raised in Northwest Indiana, where I grew up as a three-sport athlete, competing in volleyball, basketball, and track. I earned a scholarship for both art and volleyball, and continued my volleyball career during my undergraduate studies at the University of Southern Indiana. Afterward, I coached collegiate volleyball and worked as an athletic trainer at Brescia University and Kentucky Wesleyan in Owensboro. I later moved to Highland High School in Indiana, where I taught PE and continued coaching volleyball. In 2002, my volleyball team reached the state tournament, where we finished in 4th place.
Since 2002, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching physical education at Chute Middle School, which has truly become my second home and family. In addition to teaching, I also coach volleyball here at Chute and at ETHS. During my time at Chute, I earned two master’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University—one in Exercise Physiology (Cardiac Rehab) and the other in Educational Leadership.
I’m passionate about teaching and feel fortunate every day to have what I consider the best job in the world. Outside of teaching, my passions include cycling, running, neuroscience, music, and spending time with my incredible companion, Bailey (my pup). I’m also a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, and one of my favorite mottos is “No Regrets.”