I absolutely LOVE libraries, reading, and research! I am passionate about finding the right book for the right person - because I think everyone can enjoy reading with the right story! I also love media as a form of literacy, and fully believe that engaging with video games, TV, or anime can provide lots to analyze and discuss - just like books and literature!
My favorite genre is probably science fiction or fantasy, but I will read anything! Seriously - I read in my car (audio books), at home and at the gym, so I REALLY love to read! I love getting recommendations from students - not just for books, but for movies, TV, anything! I will absolutely check out the things you enjoy, and can't wait to discuss them with you! If you need a recommendation, let me know, too!
Before coming to Vallivue High School, I worked at Hillside Junior High where I taught a variety of subjects from Critical Thinking to History and Theater.
I got my undergraduate degree from Huntingdon College. First I taught adults for HP and I enjoyed it so much, I pursued a teaching credential when I moved to Idaho; I got certified with a graduate program. I graduated from BSU with my Master's Degree in Reading Curriculum and Development. I received my certification in Library and Information Sciences from the University of Idaho. In 2025, I began working as a teacher-librarian here at Vallivue High School.
When I'm not reading, I love to hike, work out at the gym, crafts and hanging out with my family. I have twins and my younger sister lives with me. We have three cats so our house is very full. I love hiking in National Parks and it is my goal to hike as many as I can.
I cannot wait to meet you, learn with you, and work in the Vallivue High School library this year!
Harry Potter and the Socerers Stone by J.K. Rowling changed my world, it is the first novel in a super engaging book series. It is a fast-paced adventure blending magical discovery, heartfelt friendships, and overcoming ordinary struggles in a whimsical hidden world. If you need a fun, whimsical read or re-read, this one is GREAT. I re-read it every year :)
I share the love of this book with the former librarian Ms. Wilkerson and some of this description is from her and some is from me. This is your typical fantasy novel - sort of. There is a princess (obviously) who is getting married, but my favorite character is Inigo Montoya. He is the best sword fighter in the world and he is looking for the 6 fingered man that killed his father. Yes, the movie is good (great, even), but the book The Princess Bride by William Goldman is so much better! You get more insight into the characters, and it is a hilarious narration while simultaneously being a high-interest plot that makes it almost impossible to put down. This is a perfect book - seriously.
Dread Nation is by Justina Ireland. I love historical fiction. This book is historical fiction with a twist. The North did not win the Civil War because of superior military or supplies but because zombies started rising from the battlefield dead. This book is has accurate history and a strong heroine. It is a thought-provoking, fast-paced story blending historical struggles with supernatural threats, offering a fresh lens on resilience and societal critique. I highly recommend this book - it is essentially about people and how society behaved during that time period. The book teaches about an important time in history with zombies!
Cinder is the first book in The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. This story combines two of my most loved genres, fairytales and Science Fiction. It is based on Cinderella but Cinder is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. Marissa Myers is a gifted writer. I warn you though there are 8 books in the series and Marissa always leaves the ending of the first 7 with a cliff hanger that will not be answered until the next book. It is not so bad now because you can keep reading all of the series but I first read these books as she was writing them and the wait was awful.
The best part of my day? Hanging out with my energetic, curious, and hilarious twins — one boy and one girl — who keep me on my toes and my heart full. Whether we are going out to eat at Mexican Restaurants (our favorite) or just laughing over something silly at home, time with them is my greatest adventure.
This picture was taken in Hocking Hills Ohio with my husband.
I come alive on the trail — hiking under Idaho skies, soaking in the serenity of nature, and chasing new horizons whenever travel calls. I am always ready for the next adventure — it is my goal as a librarian to make the library feel like a living, breathing journey.
I care deeply about fairness, kindness, and making a positive difference — values I model through community-focused engagement. Whether it's supporting local causes or teaching students how to ask good questions and listen with respect, I try to lead by example. I live my values, too — prioritizing green energy, living sustainably through reduce-reuse-recycle habits.
When I'm not at the gym working out and doing yoga or traveling, I also love chilling with family, and my sister. Whether it’s laughter around the house or quiet moments outdoors, family time keeps me grounded and joyful. I also love staying home with my family's three rowdy cats, Roo, Squawks and Kevin.