I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. I attended all Amphi schools from kindergarten through high school. I attended Canyon Del Oro High School and went to college at Prescott College. I graduated from Prescott College in 2001. This is my 15th year teaching. I have taught kindergarten, first and second grade. For the past four years, I am the Academic Interventionist at Keeling working with students kindergarten through third grade in reading. I am passionate about helping children to become confident readers, read for meaning and love reading! This is achieved through the blended learning model which combines direct instruction and online individualized lessons. There is no reward greater than helping a child become a deep thinker and enjoy reading.

Defining Moment in my Education

There's nothing better than connecting with your students on a personal level, as well as getting to know their parents. My first year of teaching I had a student who wanted to be a Lieutenant in the services. He graduated from high school this past year and is now joining the services. This is one example of how my students have inspired me to continue doing what I’m doing.

There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you have made a difference in a child’s life. Sometimes you see it in their eyes or their smiles.  Sometimes they give you simple words of thanks for helping them understand something.  At other times it is a quiet hug or a note of gratitude from a parent.  No matter where the feeling comes from, it is something you will always remember.  An unknown person once said, “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you made be the world.”  I strive to “be the world” to all of my students.

Why I Teach at Keeling

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains.  The superior teacher demonstrates.  The great teacher inspires”-William Arthur Ward.  I truly love what I do and I care for students with all of my heart. I teach my kids to always think positive, do their best, be happy and spread kindness even if it's as simple as smile. I work at Keeling where my hope is to inspire kids each day, be a positive role model, and to be the teacher that every child wants. I strive to make an impact on my students that will last a lifetime.  As a teacher I always look for the areas I need to grow, listen and form an action to constructive criticism and be a reflective listener. I try to strive to embrace change gracefully even if it may seem hard at the time. I find my inspiration through talented colleagues, my family members with a background in education, students, parents, the community and blogs.  I have found that many of my successes have come out of my failures.

Prior Experience

I have taught many grade levels in my 15 years of teaching.  Each year I learned more and became a stronger teacher.  I am a teacher who has always differentiated instruction for my highest readers down to my lowest readers.  Over the years I watched struggling readers become confident and develop a love of reading.  The smiles and hugs from the students who transitioned from struggling to confident readers always held a special place in my heart!   For the past four years, I am the Academic Interventionist at Keeling working with students kindergarten through third grade in reading. The students I work with are in the lowest quartile as defined by formal assessments. Over the years, I have discovered my students are successful because of one simple phrase~ "I believe in YOU!” One of my favorite quotes from a student was, "I never knew learning could be so fun!" Another heartfelt quote from a student was, “I’m asking for a piggy bank for Christmas so I can start saving to go to college.”. I am passionate about helping children to become confident readers, read for meaning and love reading! This is why I teach. I strive to inspire and be inspired!

Professional Accomplishments

In 2015 I was awarded with The Distinguished Service Award for Amphitheater School District. This award recognizes exceptional initiative, collaboration, loyalty and contribution through demonstrated excellence in support of the missions and values of the district.  In 2007 I was I was one of the recipients of the 2007 Arizona Rodel Exemplary Award.  As a result of that award, I had the privilege of mentoring six student teachers in Tucson over a period of three years. These student teachers are all teaching in a variety of learning environments and some are aspiring administrators.  I am honored to have received these awards and will continue to strive to be a better teacher.  I will always be a proud Amphitheater graduate, parent and employee!