This is my sixth year at York. I have been teaching for 22 years. I was born and raised in San Diego, CA, and have been living in NC since 2007. I attended San Diego State University and received my degree in Sociology and Psychology. After working with abused children for several years, I went back and got my teaching credential. I've enjoyed every minute of my journey. My daughter, Lily, is a senior this year and we are caught up in the college search frenzy! My son, Jackson, is a seventh grader and keeps me busy with his basketball and karate activities. In my spare time, I like to dabble in photography, watch NBA basketball (Go Warriors!), read, and have adventures with my kids. We have two rescue kitties (Sasha and Shay) who complete our family.

Background: This will be my 27th  year of teaching. I have had the privilege of teaching 2nd grade for 14 years, 3rd grade for 7 years, and concluded my 5th year as a 5th grade ELA teacher. I love reading and sharing my love for reading and for books. It is my hope that all students will leave my classroom loving to read. I am so excited to start a new adventure in my teaching career at York Elementary. I am also excited to get to know the students, staff, and families at York. Always feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns or just to share a favorite book.

Favorite Book:  This is a tough one for me to answer.  If you ask my students, they will say that I say every book is my favorite and they are probably right.  I will say that my favorite novels at the moment are: “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown, “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate, “Refugee” by Alan Gratz

Picture Book: “The Oldest Student” by Rita L. Hubbard (She learned to read at 116! )

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Food:  Mexican and I love a chicken biscuit from Bojangles.  

Favorite Candy:  Peanut M&Ms and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

Favorite Quote: “Books are the plane, and the train, and the road.  They are the destination and the journey.  They are home.”- Anna Quindlen

Favorite Teams:   NFL: Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs  College: NC State Wolfpack 

Hobbies:  Movies, Books, Reading, Music, Traveling, Running, Netflix watching, Bookstores, Superheroes, Superman

I grew up in Raleigh and graduated from Broughton High School. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Gardner-Webb University, where I met my husband, Johnny. We raised our 4 children while living in five different areas of NC. My oldest daughter, Dr. Heidi Richards-Peach is married to Dr. Alex Peach (physics teacher) and has recently earned her PhD in medieval archaeology. They live with their 4 cats in northern England. My oldest son, Nathan Richards, is married to Annabel (2nd grade teacher) and is a fashion photographer living just outside of London, England. They have a French bulldog named Norman. My second daughter, Caitlin Richards, is a reporter for WNCT "9 On Your Side" in Greenville, NC, after earning her Master's Degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of London. My second son, Christopher Richards, graduated from Sanderson High School and is studying to be a digital sound technician. I have a little dog named Ruby and a guinea pig named Seymour. While raising my children, I taught part-time in the Adult Basic Skills/ GED class at Piedmont Community College in Roxboro. I then taught 4th and 5th grades for 11 years in Granville County.  I have been teaching 2nd and 3rd grades at Forest Pines Drive Elementary in northern Wake County since moving back home to Raleigh in 2017. I am especially thrilled and honored to be a part of the 3rd grade team at a school with a reputation in Wake County as being a superb place for both students and staff.

I have been teaching at York Elementary for a while and am coming out of retirement this year to join the third grade team again! I am a mom of a York Alumni, Gunnar. My husband, John, is a Production Specialist at Raleigh Television Network. I also have two stepchildren, Blacie and Conner.  In my spare time, I enjoy going to concerts, movies, amusement parks and reading.