From dairy farm roots to middle school classrooms, my journey as an educator has been both unexpected and deeply fulfilling. Who would have guessed that a farm girl would one day become a passionate middle school educator, inspiring students to embrace a love for reading? Thanks to modern technology, I’ve been lucky to hear from many former students who share how much reading—and learning—came to mean to them.
In addition to facilitating courses for PLS Classes, I serve as a Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach in the Asheville City School District. I work closely with freshman and sophomore teachers to integrate reading and study strategies into their classrooms, helping students build essential literacy skills across content areas. With PLS, I now also have the privilege of supporting emerging educators as they pursue their master’s degrees—sharing new strategies and ideas to help them grow as teachers.
Public education has shaped my life since I was six years old, and even as a “seasoned” teacher, I remain committed to learning. I continue to educate myself on current practices so I can better support the teachers and students I work with. Reading is a foundational skill, and I truly believe life is richer when we can all read and think critically.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, crafting, and spending time with my grandchildren.
