High School: Lemoore High School, Lemoore, CA

Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies, Exceptional Children; California State University, Stanislaus

Master of Arts, Education, Special Education; California State University, Stanislaus

Administrative Services Credential; Teacher's College of San Joaquin, Stockton, CA

Supervisor of Special Education Certification: Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA

Certificates: Special Education, Elementary Education, Supervisor of Special Education

I first started teaching Special Education in Manteca, California. I taught students with special needs in grades 6-8. I knew right away that I had found my niche. The students are fun, eager to learn, and enjoy having opportunities for continuous growth, academically and socially. 

While at Manteca Unified School District I had great opportunities to mentor colleagues, serve on various committees, and, overall, grow professionally. During my final year at MUSD, I worked as a Program Specialist for Special Education. It was during this time that I gleaned greater understanding of Special Education Laws and the procedures necessary to have a successful Special Education Program within a school, district, and county. There is so much to learn, laws and policies are always changing, and it is my job to keep up. :-D

Finally, I was offered a great opportunity to work in Greenville, PA at Greenville Area School District. GASD is a great place to work. The students and staff are top class, and I am always touched by their kindness. 

I was very fortunate to grow up in NAS Lemoore, California. My father was in the Navy, so we were lucky to stay in Lemoore most of my childhood. I lived in Billings, Montana for a few years, while I attended Montana State University. Then, I moved back to California, for family reasons, and continued my education at California State University.

While attending college full time, I worked two jobs in the health care industry and as an aide in Special Education Classrooms. Once I finished my degree, I began teaching Special Day Class for the Manteca Unified School District in Manteca/Stockton, California. Before moving to Pennsylvania, I worked as a Program Specialist for the Special Education Department in the same district.

I enjoy outdoor activities (fishing, camping, and sports), reading mystery novels, and crafting. 

My family is very important to me, and I miss them dearly. They all live in various states on the west coast. I lost my beloved mother in September of 2018 and it changed my life dramatically. She was my biggest cheerleader and was my personal touchstone.

My older sister has always been my inspiration to continue my education. She is a woman with Autism and intellectual disabilities, and it is because of her that I found my calling in teaching and advocating for students with special needs.