Meet the Teacher

These are a few of my favorite things...

Drinks: Coffee and Tea; Poppi Sodas
Treats: Rice Krispies; Peanut M&Ms
Snacks: Fruit; Chex Mix; Skinny Pop (Gluten-Free options appreciated!)
Colors: Teal (for sure!), Coral, Maroon, Gold, Emerald Green
Flowers: Hydrangeas, Peonies
Animals: Elephants (especially), Llamas
Shopping: Amazon, Target, Hobby Lobby, World Market, Boutiques, Locally-Made Goods
Restaurants / Coffee Shops: (Gluten-Free options appreciated!) Swamp Rabbit Cafe, the Pita House, Tandem Creperie, Bridge City Coffee, Chipotle, Panera
Go-To's at Starbucks: White Chocolate Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, Nitro Cold Brew with cream
Hobbies: Coffee-Making, Reading, Puzzling, Binging TV Shows
Destinations: Greece (I haven't been yet, but I really want to go! It's next on my list.)
Adventures: Hiking, Kayaking, Hammocking (It's totally a thing.)

Here's a little bit about me:

WHERE IS MY COMMUNITY?

I have lived in Greenville, SC with my family my whole life. My father is a pilot; my mother is a calligrapher and natural health practitioner; and my brother works in a paper manufacturing plant. I am a member of Hope Church Greenville, and I get to serve on their worship team. I now live in Greer, SC.

I will be starting my ninth year of teaching at Paris Elementary. I taught 4th grade for three years and moved to 5th grade. I love the upper grades because we can be real together and learn about life in so many fun ways. Being Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024 was such an honor, and I am proud to teach at Paris. I have loved growing up here and getting to know this community!

WHERE DID I GO TO SCHOOL?

Elementary School: Homeschooled Grades 2nd - 6th
Jr. High/High School: Hampton Park Christian School
Bachelor's Degree: North Greenville University (Early Childhood Education & Elementary Education)
Master's Degree: American College of Education (Educational Technology)

WHAT DO I LIKE?

I enjoy traveling to different parts of the world and LOVE immersing in new cultures. I have stepped foot in seven countries and have many, many more on my list to visit! I have played the piano since I was in 4th grade, and I have a strong appreciation for music and the arts. I love to adventure outdoors: hiking, biking, kayaking, etc. I get an absolute thrill from finding some good deals at Goodwill or other thrift stores. Before teaching, I worked with specialty coffee for five years as a barista in the Greenville area. I now have a small business where I use my graphic design skills to support other educators and present at technology conferences around the country. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends doing fun stuff! My favorite color is teal, and I have a slight obsession with anything concerning coffee or elephants.

Education is my adventure.

People are my focus.

Thank you for taking the time to learn some more about me! It is my hope that you sense a passion for learning in the things that I do. It is a life skill that continues on outside the classroom. I seek to build an engaging and encouraging environment that teaches my students to love to learn for themselves. The reason I go into the classroom each day is to inspire my students to give their best and achieve whatever goals they have - while showing kindness and respect to those around them. It all begins right here.

For more information, check out my professional business website at designsandsuch.net.