About the Teacher

As I enter a new school year here at Cedar Valley Middle School I am super excited in continuing to teach Texas History. I am looking forward to this wonderful journey and inspiring my students to learn more about Texas History.

In May 2014 I graduated from Texas State University with my Master's in Educational Technology. This makes my second degree from Texas State as I also received my Bachelor's in Education from there in May 2008. I love Bobcat football. I am supported by my husband, Scott. We have 2 cats, Ruby and Onyx, as well as a 45 gallon fresh water aquarium. I have a wonderful group of friends and family who are accepting of my craziness!

In August of 2017 I was able to check an item off of my bucket list - a great white cage dive. This has been years in the making for me. My cage dive was in South Africa with my favorite shark photographer, Chris Fallows. When deciding on/where to do this I looked into many factors such as their policy toward sharks and the location. Since I love sharks I am really interested in learning more about them and in trying to help protect them throughout the world. I am excited to share my experiences with you through my blog.

For fun I attend various Renaissance Faires around the state and have recently developed an affinity for faeries (fairies) and dress as one when I attend faire. I also have a small collection of faeries. I love to read and will read just about any book that I find interesting. A few years ago I was able to meet my favorite author, R.A. Salvatore and was able to get the first book in his series signed by him. The quote he wrote in the book addresses how I feel about teaching and learning. I have also had a chance to meet one of my childhood heroes - Jack Hanna who helped develop and encourage my love of animals from the time I was a kid. I also have a huge fascination for sharks and penguins as well as having developed a love for nature photography - esp flowing water, flowers/animals.

Favorites:

Quote: 1. Every moment and every event of every man's life on earth plants something in his soul ~~Thomas Merton

2. You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try ~~ Beverly Sills

Books: The Legend of Drizzt Series, Maleficent, Lord of the Rings, and so many more

Movie: Lord of the Rings, Princess Bride, Breakfast Club, Gladiator, Braveheart and many more

All Time Favorite Disney Character: Eeyore

Disney: Princesses - Beauty and Cinderella Villains - Maleficent and Ursula

Broadway Show: Wicked

Musician: Aaron Watson

Songs: Defying Gravity and Popular from Wicked; Barbed Wire Halo and July in Cheyenne by Aaron Watson

Hobbies: Reading, Photography, Renaissance Faires, collecting Fairies Dancing, Gardening, Cross-stitching, Hanging out with friend, attending live music concerts and many many more.

Flowers: Daisies, Sunflowers, Wildflowers, and Lilies

Wild Animals: Sharks, Penguins, Giraffes, Flamingos

Candy: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups/Pieces and Banana Taffy and Runts

Exercising: Zumba