WELCOME!

Hello! I’d like to welcome you to Harelson Elementary and the start of an exciting learning adventure! I am so excited to be a part of the Harelson kindergarten team and am grateful to be at a school that has such a long standing history of excellence and community. This is my 8th year as a teacher, starting out in the San Diego Unified School District as a kinfergarten teacher, while obtaining my Masters in Education in 2012. I feel extremely fortunate to have found a career that feeds my passion and requires constant self- evaluation, growth, and learning. For the past two years I have been an Amphi District teacher at Innovation Academy and love my experience in a district that truly values students and provides the best to foster individual growth. I am an Amphitheater School District alum and attended Mesa Verde, Copper Creek, Cross Middle School, and Canyon Del Oro K-12. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona and am ecstatic about returning to the community that inspired me to become an educator.

DEFINING MOMENT IN EDUCATION

My 4^th grade autobiography begins as follows, “A great thing happened on December 2, 1977…I was born.” Ha! One simple line that is oh so telling… Apparently, I didn’t lack confidence as a child.  In elementary school, I remember the enjoyment of trying something new, like participating in the school talent show, or the eagerness of being the first to share my report on monarch butterflies, complete with hand drawn pictures and a diorama. I recall feeling nervous, but never deterred or discouraged, even at that young age. As I look back, I realize I was completely comfortable and happy in my educational environment, which allowed me to soar, take chances, and discover my strengths. Being a part of the team at Harelson gives me that same feeling. I’m truly thankful for the experience and opportunity. I look forward to doing my part to help your child grow and succeed.  

CORE EDUCATIONAL BELIEFS

It is my belief that students are individuals, ALL capable of achieving greatness. I strive to make a true connection with each of my students and families to discover what motivates and challenges them, and provide continuous support on their path to becoming high level thinkers and problem solvers.  I believe students should be challenged and feel they are most successful when they are pushed to persevere through the learning to achive inidividual goals. Teaching YOUR children is the greatest job on Earth. Even better, I get to do it amongst an impeccable team of educators, in a state of the art school, surrounded by a community I love and respect. #GREATNESS 

PRIOR EXPERIENCE

• 1st grade teacher - Innovation Academy 2 years 
• 2^nd Grade Teacher – Ocean Beach Elementary San Diego 3 years
• Kindergarten Teacher – Sunset View Elementary 2 years