I am very excited to begin the 2017-2018 school year as a 4th grade teacher.  It is hard to believe that I am beginning my 19th year as a teacher at McKinley. The first 15 years I was a Special Education teacher working with students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. I then taught 5th grade for two years. Last year, I taught 3rd grade.

I got my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with endorsements in special education and early childhood, from Grand View College (now Grand View University) in 1999. In the spring of 2016, I completed my master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis on Teaching Students who speak English as their second language from Buena Vista University.

I am married and have two children. My hobbies include reading, swimming, and spending time with my family.