I began my teaching career at GHS, and this will be my 20th year of teaching English/Language Arts at my alma mater.   Throughout my time here, I have taught the following grades:  7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th.  

I am a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and a former resident of Wilson County.  Eight years ago, I made the decision to move home to Smith County to be closer to my family, and I am thankful that I am back on the family farm.  

My son Neel is in graduate school at the Univeristy of Tennessee-Knoxville.  He earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and his master's degree in aerospace engineering.  He is currently working on a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering.  I am extremely proud of all his accomplishments, and I am excited (but a little nervous) to see what his future holds. 

I have two cats, Kitty and Buffy, both of whom are rescue cats.  I enjoy reading, crafting, music, baking (when time allows), and playing Candy Crush Saga. 

I developed my love of reading from my family; we all were/are avid readers.  I believe exploring different genres gives readers the opportunity to expand knowledge, acquire an extended vocabulary, and travel on great adventures.  My favorite type of novel is historical fiction, and I really enjoy reading the classics, but my absolute favorite, hands down, is British Literature. 

Teaching was not my first career; I spent several years working in marketing, advertising, sales, and food industry customer service and distribution.  I enjoyed those professions, but I felt like something was missing, so I returned to college to pursue my teaching license in English for grades 7-12.  After much reflection, I realized that my high school English teacher, and her passion for all things grammar, was my inspiration for this life-changing turn of events.  

I enjoy seeing my students rise to the challenge and recognize their full potential.