1) Why did you become a teacher? I was born into a family of educators, which is what easily guided me into becoming a teacher.  When I was in high school (at Durham) the DHH program started and those students were included in my classes and my sports teams.  I enjoyed having them join us, and it opened my eyes on what type of teacher I wanted to be.  I decided to be a dualed credential teacher and received my multiple subject and special education credentials, so I could teach all types of learners.  I spent my first year as a reading and English Language Development teacher and then chose to clear my special education credential.  After that I taught special education for 8 years (which I absolutely loved) until I took a 2 year break to be home with my third child.  And now I am back as a reading and English Language Development teacher again. 

2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? You can find me on a snowmobile in the winter and a slow-pitch softball field in the summer or fall!  But if I am not keeping my 3 kids busy with fishing, hunting, or sports you can also find us traveling to our next adventure!  I love traveling to Idaho multiple times a year to see the Tetons in the summer and winter where we kayak, hike, fish, take side-by-side rides, and snowmobile.  

3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? A fact about myself that people find interesting/fun, are my kids' birthdays!  My boys are both born on Cinco de Mayo (5-5) and are exactly 2 years and 30 minutes apart.  And my daughter was born on a Tuesday on 2-22-22.

4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why it is your favorite? The Harry Potter series will always have my heart, especially on a cold fall/winter day at home!  Going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando was so fun to check off my bucket list!

5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? I have a special connection with Durham! I am a Durham graduate and my mom (Mrs. Wiley) taught at Durham for 30 years!  The Durham schools raised me (and my husband), and my children are now 4th generation Durham students.  So, having the opportunity to give back what Durham gave to me is what I love about working here!  I still remember the teachers that worked here (or still do work here).  And I can recall going on the fish hatchery and Sutter Fort field trips that Durham Elementary still attends.  The way Durham can leave a huge impact on you is another favorite part about working here... and now I have the opportunity to leave the same impact on the students I work with at Durham Elementary!