I am originally from eastern North Carolina, but I enjoy living in the Adirondacks now.  I graduated from William Smith College, Geneva, NY, with a degree in English.  I earned my M.Ed. in Reading at Lesley University, Cambridge, MA, before moving to Lake Placid in 2001.  I taught fourth grade here for six years before I became the Reading Specialist.  I have also taught kindergarten and first grade in Baltimore and Boston.  In addition to my NYS Reading Teacher and PreK-6 classroom certifications, I also hold a Level I Wilson Reading System certification.  

I recently dove into the science of reading and learned all I could about how to best teach reading.  I shared my knowledge with my colleagues and together we embarked on a journey to completely change how we teach reading at LPES.  We are using the best research based programs and the change in all students is unbelievable.  It is exciting to see students unlock the code of reading and add to their background knowledge during Amplify CKLA classes.  

When I am not busy being the Reading Specialist, I am also the LPCSD Title I Coordinator.  I write the Title grants which provide support for our students needing additional help in reading, writing, spelling and math.  These grants also provide money for professional development for all faculty and staff in the district.

My favorite times of the school year are Read Across America in March and Book Shopping Day in June.  These are celebrations of reading in our school.  I love hearing how the students embrace reading throughout the year.  I work closely with Mrs. Haney and Mrs. Fox to encourage students to complete our 46er book challenge.  

You might see me around school with my black lab, Winnie.  Winnie is 1 year old and is in training to be a therapy dog.  She is learning to be calm and let everyone pet her.  She is a great listener and likes to be around kids while they are reading.  

I struggled to learn how to read and spell as a child, and I can relate to all those students who are still learning.   I learn something about reading and spelling every day, and share it with my students.  Reading is a very important in my family, and we spend each night reading before going to bed.  Both of my children love to read and have completed the 46er Reading Challenge.

I live with my husband, two wonderful children, and our two black labs, Daisy and Winnie.  We love to be outside as a family, in all seasons.  If I am not reading, you can find me with my family at ski jumping or on stage in The Nutcracker.  I am glad to be here raising my family and living in such a beautiful area.