I have wanted to be a teacher as long as I can remember. After graduating from Stewart County High School in 1984, I enrolled in college. I earned a Bachelor's Degree from Austin Peay State University in elementary education with a concentration in early childhood. Later, I received a Master's Degree in reading from Murray State University and completed a post-master's program through Walden University.  I am currently working on a Doctorate of Education degree. This is my sixteenth year teaching at North Stewart Elementary. Before North Stewart, my husband Vincent and I were family teachers at Father Flanagan's Boys Town in Nebraska. Family teaching was an enjoyable experience. When our oldest son was ready for kindergarten we preferred a more rural school setting. We returned to my hometown of Dover, Tennessee. I began teaching at North Stewart immediately. It was the best decision we could have made for our family. Vincent and I have two sons, Cody and Mark. They are 20 and 17 years old respectively. I am a Christian. God and family are very important to me. Our favorite family hobbies include camping, traveling, and movies. When left to myself, I love to read and cross stitch. My husband and I love animals. In the sixteen years I have been at North Stewart, my family has owned chickens, turkeys, dogs, cats, a bird, fish, two snakes (my son's), and three rats (that later became class pets). Most of our pets have been rescue animals. I also have a personal interest in children. Teaching is the most rewarding job in the world! While it warms the heart to see the impact teachers make on a child, it is even more exciting when I see prior students that have grown up to become productive citizens. My hope for the future is to be the best teacher I can and be a positive role model for all my students. My philosophy is that all students can learn when given the opportunity.