A native Texan, I grew up in Spring, Texas, and hold degrees from Texas A&M University and Rice University.  Prior to entering the education field, I worked as a clinic manager at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and as an academic advisor at Southern Methodist University.  I have worked as a teacher at Jackson Elementary for nineteen years.

My husband and I have three daughters, two of whom are twins, and a mixed-breed terrier.  I enjoy hiking, reading, baking, playing with my dog, and watching (nerdy) PBS programs.