I am so excited to begin my 8th year at Voyager.

I grew up here in North Carolina, right outside Durham, and lived there until I started college at the University of North Carolina in Asheville. As a North Carolina Teaching Fellow, I encountered true excellence in teaching while I was in school. I graduated with a degree in Psychology (with a focus on child development and exceptional learners) and, of course, an Elementary Education. I received my Master's in Special Education in December from Western Carolina. I am thrilled to be a part of the first grade team as we welcome our new first graders.

One of my desires as a teacher is that all students reach their potential, even those who may struggle, and I focused many of my experiences around this. My background includes interning in a K-2 resource room, becoming certified in Orton-Gillingham (a program of multi-sensory phonics instruction), and spending many hours as a therapist/respite-care-provider for an child with Autism. I will be graduating this December with my masters in special education!

Outside of the classroom I love to travel. Nothing expands one’s horizons like experiencing other cultures. In college, I studied abroad in Cambridge, England and enjoyed spending time taking in its rich history and culture. I’ve spent time in Costa Rica, teaching underprivileged and at-risk Kindergarteners. Teaching in another culture (and in another language!) was an experience that helped me grow tremendously as an educator. My family and I have enjoyed traveling over the years and have spent many days exploring some of our nation's most picturesque areas and our beautiful national parks. I am an avid reader and enjoy sharing books with others. When time permits, my hobbies include jewelry-making, learning sign language, playing with my new puppy Sadie and … ballroom dancing. Your kids may come home from school telling you they learned how to foxtrot!

I cannot wait to get to know my students and their families as we begin our voyage. The first grade teachers have a lot of exciting projects planned for our students this year and I can't wait to get started. My students will all find a passion for learning, my room will be a space where all students feel safe and supported, and I will do all I can to create a positive space for learning.

Of course, feel free to contact me anytime with any questions or concerns.