Tell us why you became a teacher

I travelled abroad and realized That other countries have their best and brightest in the classroom. I feel that through my varied background that I had so much to offer our youth other than just a classroom experience. My travels and different professions could be utilized to open their world of possibilities.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Teaching is not just in the classroom but in the hallways and being visible every where possible. A student said I saved her life by asking for her senior picture one morning. Up to that moment she didn’t feel “seen” or important! That was powerful!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would keep advocating for our special needs populations in schools to be more an active part of the student body and their activities by sponsoring those activities with the school to teach active acceptance and empathy by interacting with these students as if it is an every day occurrence. As it should be. Most would be used to help My daughter with college and my son who has disabilities and needs many therapies.