I am excited to be beginning my 23rd year of teaching this school year. I am proud to say I am a product of WCPSS along with UNC - Wilmington and NCSU. I grew up just down the road in the Garner/Raleigh area. I am passionate about having fun while learning and teaching with my students. When I am not at school my husband, Chris and I can be found watching my son, Ennis (15) play baseball and golf or visiting my daughter, Mary Elizabeth (18) at ECU. I love time at the beach, walking/running, crafting, reading and playing fetch with my dog Harper.

I originally hail from a small town in upstate New York, which is where I received all my education from primary grades through secondary school. The school I attended was grades K-12 (same building!) and I was one of 55 students in my graduating class! I continued my education by going to the University at Albany for my bachelor's degree. I majored in English Studies with a minor in History. After graduation I spent several years working in the human services field. It was during this time that I decided to begin working on my master's degree majoring in both Childhood Education and Special Education from Sage Graduate School.

I am the proud mother of three young boys. We moved to N.C. six years ago to be closer to family, enjoy the gorgeous weather, and make new friends. Through my past experiences in both school and the human services field I found that I have a passion to ensure that ALL students/people are met where they are at and lifted up to become the best they can be. No two learners are alike, and it is my job to ensure that I am engaging them where I can and as appropriately as I can. Being a mother of school aged children myself, I appreciate that my students are still kids! I try my hardest to show an interest (and remember) my students interests/stories outside of school. I love to make connections with my students' families and treat my students and families the way that I hope my children's teachers treat my own children. I love to have parents engaged and aware of what we are learning during the week through my Friday Facts emails. I cannot wait to begin making connections with the families at South Lakes Elementary!

I have been a teacher in NC for 23 years. I have taught grades 4, 5, 6 and technology enhancement classes for elementary students. I am coming from FVES where I taught for the last 19 years. I have 2 children, ages 22 and 15. I love relaxing at home, being at the beach, shopping, reading and exploring new places.

North Carolina became my home in 2007 but I grew up in Rochester, NY. Before moving to NC my husband and I lived in NY, NJ, OH, and FL but we plan to call NC our home for many years to come. I always knew I wanted to be a mom and I consider myself lucky to be a mother to Jake (16), Ryan (13), Rosie (5), and now our puppy, Charlotte. I love to be with my family and friends, visit the beach, read, write, and spend time on my back porch. Amazing things happen every day when working with children/students and I love that I get to be a part of that. My love of learning and children are the reasons I became and continue to be a teacher. I am so excited to be a part of the SLES family!

I am joining South Lakes with several Penny Road Pandas. I previously was a 1st grade IA and a Clerical Assistant. I love working with the students and building lasting relationships with them. I mostly enjoyed working on concepts during Intervention and seeing their confidence grow when they master different concepts!

I have always been a person who had to stay busy. When I got off the school bus, I ran up the long driveway every day! While watching TV as a child I had to keep my hands busy, usually embroidering. New Paltz, NY was a fabulous place to grow up, as well as, a great place to raise my three children. I have an AAS Degree in restaurant management and have been in the food service industry most of my life. After being very involved in my children’s education, they graduated from college, left home and I realized that I wanted to help guide other children towards independence and success. I earned my TA Certification and became a general education TA for one year before moving to North Carolina this August. Currently I am enjoying spending time with my one-year old grandson. They don’t get any sweeter than he is!