Experience
I first began my teaching career working in Burke County Schools 19 years ago. After teaching in Burke for five years, I decided to make a career change and moved to work with adults and taught Office Systems at Caldwell Community College. With my heart still in teaching impressionable youth, I moved five years later to Caldwell County Schools. In fact, this 2023-2024 school year will be my ninth year working for CCS and third year at Gamewell Middle. Before working at GMS,  I worked as both a high school and middle school teacher at Gateway Alternative.

Favorite Educational Quote and Why
My favorite quote comes from an unlikely source, former President Ronald Reagan, "There are no great limits to growth because there are no limits to human intelligence, imagination, and wonder." Some of the brightest students I have encountered are the ones who push themselves beyond their peers just because they can.

Why I Became An Educator
I come from a family of educators and the most influential one was my mother. My mother, an exceptional elementary children's teacher, taught me that all kids want to feel they are smart and good at something and want to feel accepted for who they are. She also taught me that all students want to feel loved and appreciated and that they are heard. Listening to students is one of the best traits I have developed in my 19 years of teaching.

Favorite Place In Caldwell County
When I worked at CCC&TI, I traveled to their Watauga Campus on 321 at least 3 days a week. The top of the mountain overlook where you can view Table Rock and Grandfather Mountain is one of my favorite spots.

Activities
My family and I enjoy camping and hiking to see the sun rise or set.