Tell us why you became a teacher

I had a friend who saw something in me that I did not see in myself. He ended up encouraging me and mentoring me. I first taught in an alternative setting working with troubled kids and then moved into the science classroom. It was a perfect fit because I had been working in a natural resource position as a law enforcement officer for the US Forest Service. I had stepped away from that career to be a stay at home mom. With my kids now in school this friend was like…you were made to be a teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My absolute most memorable moment happened just last year. In 2019 I was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer and truly was not expected to survive. The students I had that year graduated in May of 2025. The valedictorian and salutatorian both mentioned how I showed them grit and how to put your head down and keep going in their graduation speeches. It was a profound moment for me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’m not sure! I don’t have an extra $25,000 floating around. I would definitely do something that would make me happy and it would be FUN!