Tell us why you became a teacher

My mom has been a teacher for over 50 years. I used to go to school with her when I was off of school, and seeing the impact she had on her students year after year inspired me. I have ALWAYS loved working with kids. My first "job" was volunteering at a camp for preschoolers when I was 12, and I have been working with kids ever since. I love the individual relationships I build with all of my students, and am grateful that I get to be such a huge part of their K-6 school experience.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My 6th graders write essays as a part of their middle school application process. Last year, one of the prompts asked them to write about an impactful relationship with a teacher. I was so honored to find out that many of my students wrote about me. Reading about how I inspired them to learn more about science to help the planet or how coaching them in Debate helped them find their confidence meant the world to me. THAT is why I do what I do, and I am so grateful!

What would you do with the $25,000?

My husband and I have gone through a lot of financial hardship over the last few years due to many factors, including losing my father to COVID and helping take care of our family. We are now finally on the other side of our issues and starting to plan for the future and grow our family. The money would help us plan for & buy everything we and our baby would need. I would also love to take my mom on a trip as we have not had a family vacation since we lost my dad.