I grew up in Southern New Jersey about a block from the beach. I moved to Tucson at 26 and fell in love with the desert and the mountains. I have traveled to several islands in the Caribbean, and I have been to Acapulco, and Puerto Vayarta Mexico. I have also traveled to several places in the United States, the Bahamas, and I spent a summer in Colombia, South America. I love exploring and learning about different cultures. It is probably my love for food. My greatest desire would be to travel to Sardinia, Italy, where I still have family.
My undergraduate degree is in Criminal Justice. Before I had children I had a deep desire to further my degree in law and be a child advocate and fight to change the laws for crimes against children. Having children changed that path. I was a stay-at-home mom. When my eldest daughter reached the age of kindergarten, I was fortunate to find Carden. All three of my children have attended since kindergarten.
Once the youngest child went to kindergarten I was able to co-teach 4th grade. I teach Saxon Math, History, Carden Spelling, and Carden Comprehension. Mrs. Bennon and I share the teaching of Geography and Art. I love Math. It has always been a favorite for me. I am always excited when a child gets a new concept. In 4th grade we focus a great deal on Arizona History. We do a lot of hands- on projects dealing with the regions of the state, and early peoples, and the explorers of the Southwest. We also focus on the US Constitution, branches of government, and important leaders of Arizona. It is fun and exciting for me since I did not grow up in Arizona. I am always learning new and interesting things about our state.
The thing I would say that stands out for me as a teacher is that every student is an individual; they all learn differently and they all have special qualities. It is my job to find those strengths and build on them and find tools for their difficulties to help them be the best they can be.
Outside of school the thing I enjoy the most is spending time with my children and friends. I am also continuing with my education as I work toward earning my graduate degree in Education.
