I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I have 2 older brothers and 2 younger sisters as well as 4 nephews and 6 nieces. I am married to a wonderful man who is also my best friend, Jeremy. We have 3 dogs:
Cassie Bear - a Jack Russel Terrier who is 7 years old ,
Moose - another Jack Russel Terrier who is 5 years old ,
and Sadie - an English Setter who is 3 years old and full of spunk!
I have been teaching for 15 years now. I have taught first grade, kindergarten, reading, and third grade. First grade is the best! First graders really like school, are just learning to read so they start to enjoy books and find their own favorite types of books on their own. I have taught in many different places: California, Idaho, Kansas, Alaska, and now Washington. I also worked to get my National Board Certification in the area of Literacy while I was a reading teacher in Kansas. Although it was an extremely difficult process, it taught me to be an even more reflective and effective teacher.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy many different outdoor activities. I ride my bike to and from school each day from my house in Kennewick to Finely Elementary (about 8 miles each way). In the winter, I love to go snowshoeing or curl up under a blanket with my dogs on the couch and read a good book. In the summers, my husband and I go hiking, cycling, backpacking, fishing, and camping. This summer we also started to learn to paddle board on the Columbia River which is fun and relaxing at the same time. When I lived in Alaska, I even picked berries and learned to make my own jam in the summers. This past summer I continued learning how to fly fish. I've also fished on 3 different rivers/lakes in Idaho! I even caught a few trout!
My goal for each of my students every year is to learn the most they can while having fun at school. I want kids to realize that they all have different strengths and things they need to work harder on, but when we work together, we can help each other accomplish any goal.
I am truly lucky to have found a profession that I love each and every day. Teaching is a new adventure every day in the classroom. The growth I get to observe students making year after year is absolutely amazing. I wouldn't trade my job for anything. I love being a teacher!
Cassie Bear - a Jack Russel Terrier who is 7 years old ,
Moose - another Jack Russel Terrier who is 5 years old ,
and Sadie - an English Setter who is 3 years old and full of spunk!
I have been teaching for 15 years now. I have taught first grade, kindergarten, reading, and third grade. First grade is the best! First graders really like school, are just learning to read so they start to enjoy books and find their own favorite types of books on their own. I have taught in many different places: California, Idaho, Kansas, Alaska, and now Washington. I also worked to get my National Board Certification in the area of Literacy while I was a reading teacher in Kansas. Although it was an extremely difficult process, it taught me to be an even more reflective and effective teacher.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy many different outdoor activities. I ride my bike to and from school each day from my house in Kennewick to Finely Elementary (about 8 miles each way). In the winter, I love to go snowshoeing or curl up under a blanket with my dogs on the couch and read a good book. In the summers, my husband and I go hiking, cycling, backpacking, fishing, and camping. This summer we also started to learn to paddle board on the Columbia River which is fun and relaxing at the same time. When I lived in Alaska, I even picked berries and learned to make my own jam in the summers. This past summer I continued learning how to fly fish. I've also fished on 3 different rivers/lakes in Idaho! I even caught a few trout!
My goal for each of my students every year is to learn the most they can while having fun at school. I want kids to realize that they all have different strengths and things they need to work harder on, but when we work together, we can help each other accomplish any goal.
I am truly lucky to have found a profession that I love each and every day. Teaching is a new adventure every day in the classroom. The growth I get to observe students making year after year is absolutely amazing. I wouldn't trade my job for anything. I love being a teacher!