2025-26 marks my eighth year teaching at Valley Center Elementary. In 2018-19, I was honored to come in mid-year to assist the unparalleled Mr. Johnson by subbing for his 5th grade class and ultimately taking over when he retired.  The next year, I was thrilled to be invited back to start up a new 4th grade class. The rest, as they say, is history. A little more background on me ...

I was born on Guam (Hafa Adai anyone?) but grew up primarily in Escondido. I graduated from Orange Glen High School in 1996 and went on to concurrently earn two Associate's degrees from Palomar College before transferring to San Diego State University, where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Political Science. I worked as a journalist in San Diego County for many years before I felt called to return to SDSU for my multiple subject teaching credential so I could become a teacher. I always wanted to be a teacher but also loved writing. It was a high civics teacher who encouraged me to pursue writing first, then come back for teaching, which is exactly what I did and I have no regrets! Before landing in Valley Center, I taught in San Diego and Escondido. 

Today, I proudly call Valley Center home. My husband, Jim, and I have an energetic 11-year-old daughter, Emma, who is attending Valley Center Middle School as a sixth-grader this year.

My philosophy on teaching is that everyone deserves to learn and grow in a safe and inspiring place. If something I am doing in the classroom isn’t working to provide that, I change it! I have only three big rules. The first is “Be Respectful,” and this means being respectful of yourself and our shared learning space, as much as it also means respecting your classmates and teacher. My second rule is “Be Responsible.” This is so important. I always stress to students that I cannot alone make them learn. They need to put in the effort to complete classwork and homework. They also have to be brave enough to never, ever tell me they understood something when they really don’t. It is totally OK to not understand something. That is what schools are for!!! It is not OK to pretend you know something and miss out on an opportunity to get help. Of course, our school values one more very important rule, "Be Safe." I vow to do everything within my power to protect your child as if he or she were my own while you entrust me with them during the school day. This means keeping them physically safe, as well as emotionally. Your child will hear me say repeatedly, "Words have power. Choose then wisely."