About Me

I am so glad you visisted my page. I am a family and consumer sciences teacher. I teach career technical courses in the Human Services and Education and Training career Pathways. I primarily teach students interested in working with or advocating for the health, safety, and education of children. I teach a variety of hands-on courses that will benefit students in their personal life, and prepare them for child related careers, as well as careers that focus on training or event management in other industries. 

I sponsor Future Teachers of Alabama and Co-sponsor Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America with my colleague Dr. Sylvia Coleman.

I am privileged to teach classes that force students to become responsible, reliable, resourceful and confident. This is my 17th year at SHS and I have come to expect great things from this student body! I truly enjoy watching students' unique talents and giftings emerge and blossom as they complete real world projects in each course area. I enjoy interacting with youth and children of all ages and ability levels. I believe that learning experiences should be real, relevant, and rewarding. 

I came to SHS as the parenting instructor and Tot'N'Teen director in 2005. I believe parenting is the most important job that any of us will ever have, and preparing students for that most important venture is rewarding. Even though we no longer have a 1 credit parenting course, it is my sincere prayer that SHS students enter into the parenting role prepared for the challenges and rewards that lie ahead. I always smile when students realize the enormous responsibilities of that role with 3 very important outcomes: First, they know they need to delay that role until they are physically, emotionally, and financially prepared and in a committed healthy relationship with their spouse. Secondly, they develop an appreciation and respect for their own parents and the sacrifices they have made in their behalf. Finally, they have skills that will better equip them to balance home and career in the 21st century or actually launch them into a child related career in child psychology, pediatrics, education, social services, quality childcare, or family counseling. 

I, myself, am the very proud parent of 2 outstanding SHS graduates who are now parents themselves. My son, Robert and his wife Mari Leigh homeschool their 4 boys ages 8 - 15. You may know Robert from the Rec Com. My daughter, Sharon and her husband Shannon Harbin have 2 sons one is attending Bethel University on a Fishing Scholarship and the other will is a Freshman at UAH. Unfortunately, my daughter passed away after a 2 1/2 year battle with cancer in 2019.  Nothing could ever prepare me for losing a child. This has been the hardest thing I have ever experienced. I urge people of all ages to make the most of every day. Live every day like it is your last opportunity to make a difference and leave a legacy of love and hope. 

My husband, Richard works as a welder and fabricator making custom smokers and grills for HBT Smokers in Guntersville. He spent most of his career as an auto mechanic, but prefers competitive bass fishing. We both play on our praise and worship team at our church where we have served in many capacities working with children and youth. 

I am an active member of ACTE. In 2019 I was awarded the Carl Perkins Community Service Award for the state of Alabama representing all the activities that my students and I are involved in throughout the year to better the lives of children and those with special needs. I received the distinguished honor of Alabama Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year in 2012. I previously served five years on the Alabama Association of Family and Consumer Sciences board. In 2011 I served as the AATFACS president and as board member of the Alabama Association of Career and Technical Education. I enjoy taking a leadership role in promoting FACS and CTE in Alabama because I feel strongly that we prepare students to be college and career ready in the 21st Century.