Thank you for stopping by to read a bit about me: This is the start of my 32nd year of teaching! I teach at MRHS and you can often find me also teaching Pathways Night School (credit recovery courses) at Barry Goldwater High School. Over the years, I've been very blessed to have taught English Language Arts at all ability levels, from Middle School to Seniors. I'll be teaching Junior Level English Language Arts again this year. I'm waiting to hear if I have accomplished the criteria to be deemed a Nationally Board Certified Teacher.
All of my life, I have been an avid reader and along the way I've developed other loves as well. I am very passionate about my family - they mean everything to me. My husband and I met while we were in college and shortly after getting married, we moved here to Arizona from Chicago, IL. Our children are talented, caring, smart, silly, and just amazing. Our son is Manager for Huss Brewing downtown Phoenix. He recently was a runner-up for the Spirit of Phoenix cocktail competition. Our daughter is using her degree in Marine Biology working for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in Northern California. She graduated with minors in Fisheries and Scientific Master Scuba Diver.
I have always been an artsy/creative type of person - my mom taught me how to sew, cook, and appreciate crafting/art. I continue to explore my creative side with scrapbooking and cardmaking. I also enjoy being outdoors. We recently took a backpacking trip to Kolob Canyon in Zion National Park's wilderness (7 miles in - means 7 miles out!). I have flourishing vegetables, herbs, and flower gardens.
My husband, Jeff, is our MRHS Equipment Manager. He's always out and about. You can typically find him on the athletic fields and in "the garage" facilitating sports equipment for all of our teams. He is also one of the MRHS Cross-Country Assistant Coaches.
Let this new journey begin!
Degrees and Certifications:
Highly Qualified and Certified 9-12 English
Highly Qualified and Certified K-8 General Education
Highly Qualified and Certified K-12 Special Education
Gifted Education K-12
Reading Specialist K-12
English as a Second Language K-12
Middle School English Language Arts Endorsement
Middle School Math Endorsement
Middle School Social Studies Endorsement
Master's Degree Curriculum and Instruction - Gifted Education, 2023
Candidate for National Board Certified Teacher 2020 - current
Pathways Educator 2020 - current
Middle School English Language Arts Department Leader 2012 - 2019
Demonstration Classroom of Excellence 2016
Deer Valley Teacher of the Year 2004
Professionally Recognized Special Educator Council for Exceptional Children
