I grew up in Des Moines Iowa where I attended McKee Elementary School and Hoyt Middle School. I graduated from East High School.

I attended the University of Northern Iowa where I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. I was a member of the UNI Swimming Team and was a co-captain my senior year. “GO PANTHERS”!

My husband Troy also graduated from UNI. We have three children that all graduated from East High School. As a family we enjoy going on vacations. Disneyworld is one of our favorite vacation destinations. We also enjoy hanging out at the swimming pool, going to amusement parks, playing games, watching movies and of course reading books.

We also enjoy watching sporting events as a family. Our favorite teams are the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and the UNI Panthers

I started my teaching career at Smouse Opportunity School in Des Moines. For seven years, I taught 2^nd and 3^rd grade students with Behavior Disorders. While at Smouse I took graduate classes at Drake University. I really enjoyed my time at Smouse and didn’t think that I would ever leave. Then, in 2007 a first-grade teaching position opened at Pleasant Hill, and I didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to teach at such a great school. The challenges at Pleasant Hill are different than the ones I faced at Smouse, but just as equally rewarding.

I was born and raised in Des Moines.  I attended Watrous Elementary (which is now Morris Elementary), McCombs Middle School and Lincoln High School.  I absolutely loved school and want to instill that love and respect I have for education into my students.

I decided to become a teacher after working with special needs students as a teacher associate at Smouse Opportunity School.  I went to college as a non-traditional student and graduated in 2004 from Simpson College in Indianola.  I have a BA in Elementary Education, Reading Endorsement and a Special Education Endorsement.  I taught Special Education for 10 years, 2^nd grade for two years and 1^st Grade since 2015.  I truly love working with children!  I am so excited to be teaching 1^st Grade again with one of my best friends, Mrs. Dolphin!!

I am married to Flip and we have two children.  Jadie is an art director for a firm in Kansas City.   Cody moved to Colorado and works for Miller Coors.  I have the privilege of being a grandparent to two precious kids!  In my spare time, I enjoy playing games with my family, decorating my house, and gardening.

I am very thankful and appreciative to be working at such a wonderful school where every student’s education is a priority.  I look forward to meeting and visiting with all my students’ parents.  My door is always open, so please contact me at any time with any questions or concerns.