Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to be the light and cheerleader in students’ lives. I also became a teacher to help children believe in themselves and help them see that everyone is on their own path and can succeed.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience was being nominated for Teacher of the Week on a local radio program by a parent of a student in my classroom in 2018. This parent was so thankful that I listened to her and understood the special needs of her child. She praised my skill of communicating and supporting them. Really, I was just treating them the way I wanted to be treated as a mom of a special needs child and the way I want my child to be cared for.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I have a daughter who is profoundly intellectually impaired. I would take my family on a cruise called Autism of the seas. We do not get to travel often because she has a rare epilepsy. This cruise ship has staff that is equipped and trained if we had an emergency. This would be a much needed respiste for my husband and I. I spend every day helping other people’s children reach their potential, then come home to another full time job of caring for my own child.