I am excited to begin my twenty-fifth year teaching as a Buck Lake Bobcat!  I have been a 2nd grade teacher (12 years at Astoria Park), a 4th grade teacher, hands-on science lab teacher for K-5, and gifted/talented math/science teacher for 3rd-5th grades, as well as a gifted resource teacher and reading coach (at Chaires Elementary).  I have worked closely with technology for over 15 years in my classrooms and enjoy teaching students how to use technology to create original products.  I have a passion for hands-on learning, STEM activities and helping students understand 'the big picture.'  I have an enthusiasm for lifelong learning and compulsion for instilling into my students a fire for making our world a better place.

     During the summer I enjoy traveling to national parks and camping with my family (son Michael, 19; daughter Emily, 14; nephew Derrick, 16; and my parents) while my husband (an architect in Tallahassee) stays home to take care of our puppy, Daisy.  At home, I delight in tinkering in my gardens, mostly butterfly gardens.

     I am currently enjoying my second year as a member of the Board of Directors for FLAG, Florida Association for the Gifted.  We host an annual statewide conference, work to lobby for improved gifted services, as well as offer support to parents and educators. I am also a member of the Board of Directors for the newly formed Odyssey of the Mind region, Nature Coast Odyssey of the Mind.  Working with TGN, the Tallahassee Gifted Network, we enjoy offering local events where parents of the gifted can learn more while their children meet new friends during various events planned specially for students identified as gifted.

Favorite Color:  anything in the rainbow

Favorite TV Shows:  Scorpion, Disney's Phineas & Ferb

Favorite Movies:  LEGO Movie, How to Train Your Dragon, Big Hero 6, Star Wars and Star Trek

Favorite Music:  Beach Boys, Beatles, Owl City, Taylor Swift, PTX, Phineas & Ferb Soundtrack

Favorite Places:  National Parks where I can camp, hike, canoe, photograph, relax and have fun

Favorite Board Games:  BlockUs, Rummikub, Battleship, Checkers

Favorite Insects:  Dragonflies and Butterflies! followed by ladybugs