My name is Carol Hughes and I have been a teacher at Brinker Elementary since 2004.  I was born and raised in upstate New York and graduated from SUNY @ Stony Brook on Long Island with a degree in psychology.   I made the big move to Texas in 1985 and never left. I have 2 children (Ryan and Kailee) as well as a grandson (Landon). Our rescued Labradoodle, Piper, completes our family. I started my teaching career in special education but after 11 years made the switch to general education.  I now teach 4th grade and absolutely love it.  Working with children gives me great joy and I have a huge respect for the powerful role I get to play in their lives, even if its only for one year.  My goal is to help all children grow both academically and emotionally.  Their success is my success.