I have been teaching in North Carolina for 25 years.  I taught at Benhaven Elementary and Highland Elementary Schools and at Highland Middle School before returning to 3rd grade at HES. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Fine Arts, I went to Chapman University in California for my teaching degree, then proceeded to pursue my graduate degree at the University of Connecticut where I earned my M.Ed. in Gifted Education.   I have been a lifelong learner and love to take classes in everything from math, science, environmental studies, nutrition, and yoga, just to name a few.  

Growing up as a military brat, then marrying a soldier has taken me to many places.  I have traveled all around the US, from North Carolina, Hawaii, Florida, California, and Washington, just to name a few.  I spent several years in Europe, living in France and Germany, and traveling to many European countries.  There are many places that I still plan to visit, with Australia, New Zealand, and Greece at the top of my bucket list.  

I enjoy spending time with my family;  husband, two kids, and four grandkids.  I grow amazing tomatoes and love to plant flowers.  Throwing the tennis ball for the dog and teaching the kids to ride bikes, or paddling my canoe are things I love to do.  In my spare time, I like to do art projects.  I'm trying to teach myself to play the guitar even though I'm not very good at it.  It's fun anyway!