Hi! I love to teach preschool and early elementary classes and strive for ways to make learning fun and exciting! It is my goal to celebrate all learners and help them to love learning. Teaching phonics, reading, writing and math skills are my absolute favorite!

I graduated from Hiram College in Ohio with a BA in Elementary Education and a Reading Endorsement which means that I did extra course work so I could become a reading specialist if I chose.  After college, I taught kindergarten, 1st and 3rd grade for a total of 8 years. During that time, I was honored to be selected as Teacher of the Year for my elementary school and finalist for county wide Teacher of the Year in Nashville, TN. In addition to teaching, I was also a curriculum developer and workshop presenter for 5 years.  I created reading, writing, and math curriculum for the county, and then trained elementary teachers K-5 how to teach that curriculum in their classrooms. I also worked for a publishing company developing reading and math units. I stayed home with my children when they were young and then taught a transition to kindergarten class for 6 years. 

I love teaching children and believe that learning should be fun and engaging!  Children learn best when they are laughing, smiling, singing, drawing, doing hands-on activities, moving, and having fun!  For me, there is no greater joy than helping a child grow and learn! I love to play games, sing and make learning fun! 

One fun fact about me is that I love animals and have many stuffed animals. My stuffed animals love to join me in my classes. If your learner has a special stuffed animal we would love to have it join us too!