Tell us why you became a teacher

I spent several years as a nurse in hospitals, clinics, and public health. I loved bedside care, but I saw something deeper. In rural America, we don’t just need providers; we need local home-grown providers. I became a teacher because I realized the greatest way to serve my community wasn’t one patient at a time; it was preparing the next generation to care for their own families, neighbors, and communities.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable moments wasn’t an award. It was a student who planned to drop out choosing to stay because she saw a future in healthcare. She earned her certification and graduated able to support herself. In our rural county, that means independence, stability, and breaking cycles that have lasted generations. Watching that shift from hopeless to capable is something I’ll never forget.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would reinvest every dollar into hands-on healthcare training; expanded opportunities, and meaningful wellness initiatives. In a rural areas like ours where healthcare access and economic opportunity are limited, this funding means students graduate with real credentials and real careers, not just diplomas. It means more local healthcare professionals, greater stability for families, and stronger care for our community. It means building a healthier, more hopeful future right here at home!