In the late 90's, I received my BA in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine and then went on to get my multiple-subject teaching credential through LAUSD's District Intern program. I have been an elementary educator for the Los Angeles Unified School District for the past twenty years, all of which have been at Chandler Elementary in Sherman Oaks. I have taught 3rd grade for 19 out of my 20 years and feel like I am continually learning and perfecting my craft. I am passionate about using technology in the classroom and helping my third graders to become proficient in using various programs to enhance and support their academic growth. In pursuit of this passion, I am currently a graduate student at Cal State University, Northridge working towards a Master's degree in Educational Technology.

Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with my husband and teenage son. My husband and I have been married for seventeen years and have laughed together every single day. You could sum up our family's relationship with the phrase "A family that eats together and watches TV together, stays together". We love trying out new restaurants and binge watching Korean dramas, especially cheesy rom-coms. We eat a lot, laugh a lot, and love a lot.

Besides work and family, I also love to cook and stay active. Recently, I made the switch to a whole food, plant-based, no-oil diet. I enjoy the challenge of creating tasty, but healthy, meals. I want to stay healthy as long as I can so that I can keep doing the things I love. My family are still meat eaters, but they are slowly getting used to eating a lot more vegetables. Aside from cooking, I've completed the Long Beach Marathon and five Spartan obstacle course races. My current goal is to improve my running time and complete the L.A. Marathon.

Another big part of my life is being an active member of my church community. My faith has been a very important part of my life ever since my senior year in high school. I have taught Sunday school for the past 25 years and continue to be a part of our youth ministry at the elementary and middle school levels. I play the keyboard on our worship team, take middle schoolers on mission trips to Mexico, head up the decorations for our Vacation Bible School, and basically serve wherever I am able.

Many years ago, I took Kung Fu lessons with my son and at our first lesson, the instructor told us that the meaning of "Kung Fu" is that one can master anything with enough practice. In regards to student learning and achievement, I also believe that any concept can be mastered when a student is given effective instruction, the right tools, and ample time for quality practice. I believe that any concept, no matter how difficult or challenging, can be broken down into understandable, digestible parts. Different approaches are needed for different children because every learner is an individual, and the qualities that make them unique should be celebrated. Despite a child's differences, the end goal remains the same- to make each child confident in his/her abilities, able to persevere through challenges, and a lifelong learner.