As a former Math/Science teacher I have spent countless hours helping elementary school aged children discover the wonder of learning. I was privileged to begin my career in the world of Special Education, taught many years in the general education setting, and ended my career in Gifted Education. Helping students discover their talents, passions, and strengths is one of the things that brings me the greatest fulfillment in life. Encouraging each child to find a way to plug those talents into his or her learning is a vital part of who I am. My work as a Gifted and Talented Specialist taught me the importance of inspiring children to look beyond the obvious to the abstract and helped me to see the joy that comes from viewing every child through the lens of his or her strengths. My hope is that, through my teaching, I can help each child to see himself, or herself, through that lens as well.