brother who lives in New York City. My dad worked for TWA, and my mom loved to travel and instilled that love in my family. I had the wonderful opportunity to travel all over the United States and Europe.

In 1999, I decided to move to the island of Saipan. It is a tiny island in the western Pacific Ocean and one of the 14 Northern Mariana Islands. I met my husband, Ataur, there and stayed for 7 years. My husband is from Bangladesh and had lived on Saipan for many years before we met. My son, Jacob, was born there. My family was still in Kansas City, so we decided to move back here. Soon after, my daughter, Rylee, was born. Jacob is now 14 and Rylee is 10.

This is my 21st year teaching and my 11th year KCIA/Della Lamb. I taught Special Education for two years in Richmond, MO. Teaching students who learn differently had a major impact on my teaching. I taught for 4th grade for 7 years at Saipan International School. Students at the school were from places like Canada, United States, Japan, Korea, The Philippines, China, Australia, as well as the local islanders. My favorite part of the school was the diversity of the students. I worked for one year at Kansas City Missouri School District teaching 3rd grade English Language Learners. Finally, I came to teach at Della Lamb as an English Language Learner teacher where I have stayed through the transition to Kansas City International Academy last year. I truly love the diversity of this school. It warms my heart to have students getting along with each other, becoming friends, and understanding the cultures of others. Plus, I GET to teach the Newcomers!!! I GET to watch the learning process of those students and celebrate their successes! It is very exciting!

Traveling is still a very big part of my life. I have been to 38 states and 15 countries. Every summer, my husband and I take my kids on a vacation that usually includes visiting a National Park. Our favorite trips include time to just play at the beach.

My kids and I are very busy outside of school. We spend time once or twice a week volunteering at the Cat Habitats at Petco through the KC Pet Project. We love spending time taking care of cats and kittens who need a forever home. We have fun while helping a worthy cause. My son is in Boy Scouts where he gets to camp each month. My daughter is a Girl Scouts, and I am the leader of her troop. We also love swimming and doing crafts together.