My love for education and teaching began at an early age. Unofficially, I began teaching (my sister!) when I was in fourth grade. My desire to learn and help others has never wavered. I graduated from Capital University with a BA in Elementary and Special Education. My Masters in Elementary Education is from Marygrove College.
Prior to coming to New Albany, I worked for Columbus City Schools in two capacities. I tutored high school students for six years at the Teresa Dowd Homeless Shelter Education Center. It was an honor to work with those kids and help them during a traumatic time in their lives. Enduring relationships with some of those students continue some 25 years later. In addition to this, I tutored adult students who desired to return to school to obtain their GED. Again, through Columbus City Schools, I worked in the Adult Basic Education area for over six years.
My tenure with New Albany Plain Local School District began in 1997. Following a long-term sub position at the high school, my first full-time position was as a first-grade teacher. That was quite a learning curve for me following so many years working with teens and adults! After four years at that grade level, I spent the next 15 years in third grade. What a great age to teach!
I accepted a new challenge in 2016 by making a move to fourth grade. I absolutely loved it as I was afforded the privilege of looping with my third-grade class. After four wonderful years as a fourth-grade math, science, and social studies teacher, I had the honor of returning "home" to third grade.
Personally, I have been the mom of four fur babies. Abby and Tigger lived to be 21 and 18, respectively. They were the loves of my life! I've been involved in animal rescue for many years, so in 2020, following the death of their human mom due to Covid, I adopted two new kitties, Rascal, who definitely lives up to his name, and Fluffy, who is absolutely perfect, but also lives up to her name. I am very blessed to have them.