I am so happy to be teaching 4th Grade ELA and social studies this year!

I grew up near Rochester, Minnesota and lived in that area much of my life. I attended Saint Mary's University in Winona, Minnesota where I earned my degree in English and a minor in Art. I also attended the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minnesota where I worked toward my certification in Business Communication. My first career was in communications and public affairs. In 2017, I became a certified teacher. I taught 6th grade (and some 8th grade) science and ELA at Hopewell Middle School (in Round Rock ISD) for 7 years.

My husband, Ben, and I moved with our children, Dominic (a Junior at Southwestern University) and Naomi (a Senior at Round Rock High School) in 2010. We immediately fell in love with the staff at Cactus Ranch and made our home in the neighborhood so our children could attend school there. We have two dogs: Roxie (our yellow lab) and Lillie (our shelter dog, a Shiba mix). 

Outside of the classroom, I love to travel, read, do yoga, and walk. I also love to spend as much of my summer as possible in Minnesota with my parents, 4 brothers and sister (and their spouses), and 10 nieces and nephews. 

I love everything about school and teaching, and I enjoy building relationships with my students and their families. It's going to be a great year!