After graduating high school and announcing my college plans, I was constantly persuaded to become an English teacher. I decided to pursue another goal of mine; to become a journalist. Little did I know that Life had other plans.

My high school sweetheart, Brian and I married in May 2004, a week after we graduated college. I took a job as a newspaper editor soon after we returned from our honeymoon. Six months into our marriage, we were involved in a serious car accident. Being without family during that time in our marriage helped us to realize the importance of family. We decided to relocate to our hometown of Rose Hill, Va in September 2005. I decided to pursue teaching and completed my teaching certification from the University of Virginia at Wise in 2006. I began teaching that fall and fell in love with the new career path I had chosen! 

My husband and I welcomed our first child, CarrieAnne in March 2010 and welcomed her younger sister, Emma in July 2013. 

In December 2014, we said goodbye to our family and friends as we decided to make the move to Springville, Alabama. We wanted to introduce our daughters to new opportunities that we felt would only enrich their lives. I substitute taught the next school year at Springville Elementary School to be close to our daughter that was a kindergartner. 

I strongly believe that teaching is not just about academics, it's about relationships. Relationships that will prepare students for the next chapter of their lives, whether that be the next grade level or graduating high school. The constant motto that I tell my students is that I will do whatever I can to help them as long as they meet me halfway. Students need to understand that along with intelligence, hard work, perseverance, and respect are crucial in becoming a successful individual. 

Experience

After graduating college, I was a newspaper editor at the Breathitt County Voice from May 2004-Sept. 2005. I began teaching in the fall of 2006 at Lee High School in Ben Hur, Virginia. I taught Honors English 9, English 9, and English 10. I then returned to my alma mater, Thomas Walker High School, and taught English 8, English 10, Honors English 10, and Journalism. I resigned in December 2014 when our family moved to Springville. I taught at Duran North Junior High from 2016-2018 before coming to St. Clair County High.