Tell us why you became a teacher

In 6th grade, I was voted "Most Helpful". Even though my title is "teacher", I actually see myself as a "happy helper". I love helping my students learn calming/breathing techniques, how to practice self- kindness, how to sound out words, different multiplication strategies, and how to celebrate their peers. While I'm helping, I'm being inspired my students' joy, curiosity, empathy, fun, and love. They give me hope that we can change the world just by being ourselves. Nothing is more rewarding.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Two years ago, one of my students lost his mom at the beginning of the school year. Having lost a parent myself, I know how traumatic it is and really wanted to make sure that he felt loved and valued. He was quiet so I never knew if I was making a difference. I was on leave because my daughter passed away, and he was always on my mind. On the last day of school when we were sharing our favorite memory of the year, he told me that his favorite memory was the day I returned from leave.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Our first child Jessie passed away in 2023 after 3 days in the NICU, and we lost our second child Adaline in 2024 when I was 15 weeks pregnant with her. First, I would pay off our medical expenses. I would save money for our (hopefully) third child, and my husband and I would love to become foster parents. Ronald McDonald House helped pay the transport fee for our girls to be taken to Louisiana to be buried close to my dad so I would love to make a small donation to them.