I graduated in 2005 from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and certification in Early Childhood Education.  I completed my Master's Degree in Educational Technology, Technology Integration Specialist in 2014 from Pittsburg State University.  I am a Google Certified Educator, Level 1, and currently serve on the Advisory Board for the Missouri State University-Design Thinking Program.

I started my teaching career in Neosho at the Southwest Alternative Education Center, teaching 7th and 8th grade Comm Arts and Keyboarding.  From there, I returned to Stapleton Elementary in Joplin, where I had completed student teaching.  I took a 2nd grade position and moved to 4th grade the following year, spending the rest of my time in Joplin teaching 4th grade.  I began teaching at Carl Junction Schools in 2014 as a 2nd grade teacher.  In 2015, I accepted the position as district Technology Coach.  In August of 2022, I returned to the classroom to teach 6th grade Social Studies.

I am "GiGi" to four perfect grandkids!  Zaide, who is 11, Lexi, who is 7, Olivia, who is 6 months old, and Blakely, who is 3 months old.    Being a GiGi is the best job in the world!  I have been married for 2 years.  My husband's name is Scott and together we have 3 daughters, Erin, Becky, and Nikki, and our MinPin/Chihuahua, Si. 

I love to travel and have been to London, Wales, Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, Australia, Mexico, and Japan.  I love to incorporate these experiences into the classroom.  

In my free time, I can be found in my pool with my grandkids!