While growing up in Huntsville, I spent many summers and breaks on the white sand beach of Fort Morgan. I moved to Tuscaloosa to attend the University of Alabama, where I met my husband. Thirteen years later, my husband, our two children, and I moved to beautiful Baldwin County. Since then, we have continued to enjoy the awe-inspiring natural wonders of the wetlands, trails, and beaches of the area.

My teaching career began by becoming highly-qualified to teach elementary education, early childhood, special education, and gifted education. I have taught kindergarten-second grade as well as third and fourth grade special education. By far, my favorite position is teaching Project Jubilee with third-sixth grade students. I love being part of the Magnolia School family!

When not at school, my family and I enjoy spending time experiencing nature. My hobbies include traveling, kayaking, photography, astronomy, scrapbooking, and geocaching. I appreciate art, science, geography, history, and other cultures, so I try to incorporate many opportunities for students to become excited about those through the lessons taught.

I believe that every child has a special talent. Based on Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory, each child is “smart” but smart in different ways. He believes that there are at least 8 different kinds of intelligences. Some children possess “book smarts”, while other children excel at sports or art. Each year, students will complete a variety of activities to further develop their 8 intelligences. My goal is to have your child working to the best of his/her ability. Some activities we complete may be challenging, but this is when we learn the most. By working together, we can encourage hard work, high expectations, and learning from our mistakes. I look forward to sharing ideas with you about making this a successful year for all.

Hey Guys and Gals! I am Mrs. Parra and I am originally from Pensacola area and moved here 14 years ago to enjoy the wildlife that Southern Alabama has to offer. I bike ride long distances on my road bike and you might see me on the trails checking out the osprey, river otters, gators, eagles, and so many more animals. I am married to the marvelous Mr. Parra and I have one awesome kid that is in college now. We spend our days playing chess, Scrabble, or on the boat looking at fish and having fun.

I have a degree in general education, special education, English Language Learners, and I have a Master's in Gifted Education. I started in Baldwin County as a tech teacher (which I helped student and teachers with their problems with their computers). Then when that job ended, I got hired on as a Gifted Teacher. I love helping you all reach your fullest potential and love exploring new things with my students!

Being a very creative person, I believe that all students have certain gifts in many areas and that is why it is so important to try new things so you can see if you might be great at it. I have had the opportunity to be a lifeguard, teach swimming, raku artist (pottery), painter, multimedia sculptor, tutor, and so many more occupations because I was willing to try new things! I set the bar high but there is nothing that you can't do if you are just willing to break it down with the class. I look forward to helping you crush your goals and set some new ones as you figure out your new talents!