Tell us why you became a teacher

I followed in the path of my mother, a former elementary school teacher, and my older sister, a reading specialist. My love for teaching started as a Lifeguard Training Instructor and youth recreation coach in high school. After surviving cancer right after college, I realized my true calling was in education. I found a special education TA position and discovered helping students with unique learning styles best suited me. I am now a Special Ed teacher and I coach sports at the school.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I started a student-athlete peer mentorship program at my school. I paired at risk freshmen with senior mentors for academic and social guidance. Of the 7 initial mentees identified as at risk of failing or dropping out, all of them graduated, 3 were accepted to college, and another entered into a program to become an EMT.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I have many students with high needs and difficulty learning. 5 of which have recently lost at least one parent. I'd like to make sure they can continue their education after graduation whether it is in college or trade school. It will also be a life memory to take my fiance and kids to meet my family in Hawaii for the first time.