The Basics:
I am a Colorado native who grew up in La Porte. I went to CLPE, CLP, and Poudre. My family, three dogs, and I live in Fort Collins. I went to college in Iowa. It was my first time ever going to a new school and not knowing anyone. I loved my time there, especially after I learned how to make friends.
Hobbies and Interests:
I love to hike in the summer with my hiking pals. I have been in the same book club with mostly the same people for the past 14 years. I like to listen to our books on the way to and from work. I love getting away and staying in hotels and any community events around town. My favorite vacation was an adult family trip to Kauai. I also love the solitude of Lake Powell. My favorite food is anything Asian and chips and salsa. I make pretty great homemade ice cream.
My Teacher Story:
The 2024-25 school year marks my 20th year teaching. I have always wanted to be a teacher... like always. I completed my bachelor's in elementary education at Cornell College. I started my career at a state hospital as a special education teacher for students with a combination of cognitive and significant behavioral disabilities. My time in Iowa came to a close, and I opened Rice Elementary as a special education teacher. I worked there for three years. While at Rice, I finished my master's in special education at UNC. After leaving Rice, I had a sadly short year at Shepardson and continued on to Boltz for five years, Lincoln for three, and then joined the PGA team in 2019 as the 6th-grade language arts teacher and advisor. In all of these previous locations, I was the teacher for students with disabilities who required significant supports. I love everything middle school, but really enjoy the k-12 experience at PGA. In May 2024, I completed a second master's in educational leadership at Western Governors University.
My Role at PGA:
I have served as the dean at PGA for the past three years. My job is to monitor attendance, support student behavior, and lead the PBIS and restorative practices teams.