Let me take a moment to explain who I am and what my background in education is.

I was born and raised in a small town in Wisconsin (a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin).  In 1991 I moved out to Arizona to attend Arizona State University.  In December of 1995, I graduated with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Education.  Shortly after receiving my degree I received my certification in Secondary Education with a drama endorsement, as well as a middle school endorsement.

Since I graduated mid-year, I also got my substitute certification.  I substitute taught for two years in the Mesa Unified School District.  I worked mainly at the junior high level, although on occasion I did teach high school. 

Before working as a substitute, I had always thought that high school is what I wanted to teach.  My student teaching was done at a high school, as well as all of my college prep work.  However, the first day I walked into a junior high class room as a substitute, I knew that this was the age group I wanted to work with.

For the 1998-1999 School Year I worked at a Charter school in Phoenix teaching 6-8 grade Language Arts.  Throughout that year, I also taught separate classes on: computers, reading, web page design, and theatre (acting, scenes, play production, monologues, etc.)  As the end of the year approached I was told that the school did not have the funding to keep me on for another year.

So off I went to look for another job.

How I found my current job is actually pretty incredible.  I had received an e-mail from the Dean of Students asking me if I'd be interested in a new job for the following school year as his school is looking for new teachers.  I jumped at the chance to interview for them.

Needless to say, I got the job.  During the 1999-2000 school year I taught Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies.  I had so much fun working with these kids.

On May 12, 2000, I received my Masters degree in Secondary Education with a minor in Reading from Northern Arizona University.  I now work as a Reading Specialist, which I am thoroughly enjoying!  This is a brand new position at the school, and I'm having fun creating this job from the ground up.

As I mentioned above, I have a background in theatre.  I currently work with a local theatre company on their Board of Directors.  This year is my second year as secretary.  My main involvement with this company is as a stage manager, however, I would love to direct for them someday.  I produced the first show of the 2000-2001 season, "Barefoot in the Park."

I love working with computers, as anyone who knows me would tell you.  Even more, I love the Internet and finding web sites that are great resources.