TEACHER FEATURE

How long have you been in education?  Where did you work prior to WYWLA?

This is my 6th year teaching. I have taught at a few places because we moved around a lot as my husband went through medical school. I have taught at Sanderson High School, Clayton High School, and Stanly STEM Early College. The most recent school was Stanly STEM Early College!

What brings you to WYWLA? 

Well, I heard there's a secret treasure buried in the library, and I'm on a quest to find it! Just kidding. I'm here to inspire and educate the amazing students at WYWLA. And to continue encouraging students to go into STEM fields and to hate Math just a little less!

What is your impression of WYWLA thus far?

It's like stepping into a magical realm of knowledge and curiosity! The students and staff are as awesome as a unicorn wearing sunglasses. Everyone is so welcoming, understanding, and caring!

What is one piece of advice you try to inculcate in students? 

Always remember that learning is a grand adventure, like a rollercoaster ride for your brain! Embrace challenges, stay curious, and never stop asking "Why?"

 Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in a small town near Charlotte called Albemarle. It’s actually the hometown of country singer Kelly Pickler! 

What were you like as a kid? A young student? Favorite subject growing up?  Hobbies?

I was a very enthusiastic and exploratory kid. I loved trying new things such as sports, food, and experiences. Surprise surprise…I LOVED Math! My biggest hobby when I was a kid was volleyball. I have been playing volleyball since I was 12 years old. I played on a travel team and I also played on the club volleyball team at NC State University.

What is one fun fact about you? 

A fun fact about me is that I was on a jump rope team for 9 years! I performed at Carowinds, schools around the state, and half-time shows at NBA games and college basketball games!

What do you listen to on the way to work?  On the ride home?  What type of music do you listen to/prefer?

On the way to to work and on the way home I listen to different podcasts or an audiobook. I listen to a wide variety of music. Right now I am really into the classic 60s - 80s music or Folk music. My favorite artist right now is Noah Kahan but my typical favorite artist is Elvis Presley. My favorite song right now is Your Needs, My Need by Noah Kahan!

Where did you graduate from?  Major?

I graduated from North Carolina State University with a major in Mathematics Education. I also have a master's degree from North Carolina  State University in Adult and Community College Teaching in Mathematics.