About the Teacher
This is my seventeenth year at Laurel Mountain. I have undergraduate and graduate degrees in Anthropology and a graduate degree in Community and Regional Planning, all from the University of Texas. I completed my teaching certification through the state’s Region XIII Education Service Center. I hold ESL and TAG certifications and specialized training in the Wilson Program for dyslexia. I also worked in education at UT as an undergraduate lab instructor and as a Student Development Specialist in the Dean’s Office.
This is my seventeenth year at Laurel Mountain. I have undergraduate and graduate degrees in Anthropology and a graduate degree in Community and Regional Planning, all from the University of Texas. I completed my teaching certification through the state’s Region XIII Education Service Center. I hold ESL and TAG certifications and specialized training in the Wilson Program for dyslexia. I also worked in education at UT as an undergraduate lab instructor and as a Student Development Specialist in the Dean’s Office.
I have two children. My son, Spencer, and his teachers were the inspiration for my move into elementary education. He handled with courage and perseverance both dyslexia and dysgraphia. Spencer is a graduate of Westwood High School and Penn State University. Now, he is a development operations engineer in the D.C. area.
I have two children. My son, Spencer, and his teachers were the inspiration for my move into elementary education. He handled with courage and perseverance both dyslexia and dysgraphia. Spencer is a graduate of Westwood High School and Penn State University. Now, he is a development operations engineer in the D.C. area.
My daughter, Sarah, graduated from Westwood H.S. and most recently from The University of Texas at Austin. Her journey through high school differed from most of her peers as she faced serious health issues requiring numerous hospital stays and significant time on homebound care. While attending UT she interned with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in their curatorial department. UT Article -Aspiring Museum Archivist Pursues Her Passion at the Smithsonian Now she is an archivist with the National Archives.
My daughter, Sarah, graduated from Westwood H.S. and most recently from The University of Texas at Austin. Her journey through high school differed from most of her peers as she faced serious health issues requiring numerous hospital stays and significant time on homebound care. While attending UT she interned with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in their curatorial department. UT Article -Aspiring Museum Archivist Pursues Her Passion at the Smithsonian Now she is an archivist with the National Archives.
Both of my children faced adversity throughout their K-12 experience. Their challenges were ones I had no working knowledge of or experience with until I was faced with them. Like all of us, my experiences are part of what shapes who I am as a person. My experiences as a parent have fueled a passion to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families. The struggles of my own children made me see clearly the need to live in the moment and meet the needs of children wherever they may be in their developmental continuum.
Both of my children faced adversity throughout their K-12 experience. Their challenges were ones I had no working knowledge of or experience with until I was faced with them. Like all of us, my experiences are part of what shapes who I am as a person. My experiences as a parent have fueled a passion to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families. The struggles of my own children made me see clearly the need to live in the moment and meet the needs of children wherever they may be in their developmental continuum.
I was very fortunate to have many caring and dedicated teachers who were part of my children's education and development. It is my goal that every child in my classroom has the same compassionate care and persistent efforts to make their educational experiences positive, joyful and successful.
I was very fortunate to have many caring and dedicated teachers who were part of my children's education and development. It is my goal that every child in my classroom has the same compassionate care and persistent efforts to make their educational experiences positive, joyful and successful.