I am originally from Northeast Ohio and moved to Michigan in 2001 after earning my Bachelor's Degree in English from The Ohio State University.  After working for a few years in the non-profit sector, I returned to school and earned my minor in psychology and Secondary Teaching Certificate in English and Psychology from Saginaw Valley State University.  I began teaching full-time in 2007 and continued my course of study to add an endorsement for special education to my teaching certificate.  

Before coming to Carman-Ainsworth in 2018, I taught English and provided Special Education services at Alternative High School programs in Midland and Bay counties.  My favorite students to work with have always been those with challenges, whether they are academic, behavior, social, or otherwise.  I view my role as a teacher as being part of a team which includes the student, family, teachers, counselors, and other school personnel, who all collaborate to make the school experience the best it can be and to prepare each student for their post-secondary life of college and/or career.  

 On a personal note, I am married and have three children and two dogs.  My passions include social justice activism, reading, cooking, baking, entertaining, and volunteering.  In addition to teaching, I enjoy coaching the high school and middle school swim teams.