Q: How does it feel to be the favorite teacher in your department?
A: Uncomfortable. We have wonderful teachers at Pinacate, especially, in the Language Arts department. Still, I am honored to know that students appreciate me.
Q: What brought you to Pinacate?
A: After years of working in different career fields, I finally decided to put my college degree in education to use. Pinacate and PUHSD were looking for teachers so here I am.
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: This is my 18th year of teaching at Pinacate.
Q: How did your teaching journey start?
A: I received a Bachelor of Arts in English with a focus on teaching. I decided to move home from college to San Diego but knew I wouldn't have the same experience as I had as a student teaching in Spokane, Washington. I put that dream on hold until 2006.
Q: What college did you go to?
A: When I attended and graduated it was Whitworth College; however, it changed its name to Whitworth University after I left.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
A: Wow, hmmm. I have two young adult children and two black cats. My closest living relative is a brother who lives and works in Italy.
Q: What's your best memory of working at Pinacate?
A: Gosh, I really enjoyed being here when the campus was filled with portable classrooms. Watching the campus transform during the three phases of construction was very moving to experience.Â
Q: What would your students be shocked to find out about you?
A: I am an introvert. This does not mean that I want to be alone all the time. Many introverts love spending time with friends and interacting with familiar people in social situations. The key thing to remember is that after a long day of social activity/teaching/being around others, I want to retreat to a quiet place to think, reflect, and recharge.
Q: What made you teach the subject that you currently teach?
A: I love to read, love literature, and enjoy sharing that with students. My mom was a part-time teacher as I was growing up so she was an inspiration.
Q: What are the hardest and easiest parts of being a teacher?
A: Most difficult: attempting to engage all levels of learners so they can learn, grow, and be ready for high school
Easiest/Most fulfilling: I get excited when I see the "light bulbs" go off when a student understands or masters what I am trying to teach.