This is my fourteenth year teaching English and my ninth year teaching at Sequoia Middle School. This is going to be a great year and I can't wait to get to know you!

I was born and raised in San Francisco. I received my Bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University in 1992 and my teaching credential from Dominican University of San Rafael in 1995. I recently earned my master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. After teaching high school in the beautiful Napa Valley for six years, my family moved to Newbury Park in 2002. I worked as a freelance writer for ten years while staying at home with my children. I also enjoyed volunteering at my children's schools. I have been happily married to my husband for twenty-eight years and we have two children who both attended Sequoia Middle School and Newbury Park High School. My son is a junior at Chico State and my daughter recently completed her BA in Environmental Studies at California State Monterey Bay. 

I love reading, watching movies, travelling to far away places, playing board games and spending time with friends and family. When I'm not doing these activities you can find me taking long walks - I love to walk! 

I can't wait to work with the 8th graders this year as they grow and learn. Middle school is such a special time and I truly enjoy working with teenagers. My classroom philosophy is that it is possible to learn and have fun at the same time! 

My family!                                                                                                                     And me when I was The "Great Hochini" at the school carnival!