I am beginning my 32nd year in education. After seven years in Colorado as a secondary math and language arts teacher, as well as the coordinator of an advanced learning program, I moved to Texas and opened Rice Middle School where I focused on gifted education and language arts. Since Rice, I have taught on-level, honors, and International Honors English at the high school level and was the Plano ISD 2014 Secondary Teacher of the Year. Although I worked at the district level as a curriculum specialist and instructional coach for two years, my heart is in the classroom, and I am thrilled to be back on a campus.

 Although I consider myself a Coloradoan with degrees from both Colorado State University and The University of Colorado, I grew up all over the world because my father was a special agent in the Air Force. Because of my experiences as a "military brat," I have a strong appreciation for internationalism and the importance of being open-minded, principled, and compassionate.   

I live in Allen with my husband Mike who teaches at Jasper High School. Our older daughter Karter attends Reed College in Portland, and our younger daughter Jillian is a senior at Allen High School.  We also live with two unruly dogs and three adorable (aging) rats.  When I am not at work, I can be found walking with my pets and a reluctant family member or an enthusiastic friend, enjoying a meal with friends and family, volunteering at the Allen Animal Shelter, or watching a show on Netflix. In addition to the aforementioned interests, I am an avid reader, an enthusiastic fantasy football team owner, and an eager shelter-dog "realtor." 

 I am thrilled to be a Plano East panther and am looking forward to a fantastic year.