Tell us why you became a teacher

Growing up, I always worked with kids. Babysitting kids in the neighborhood, coaching swim team in high school, then working as a summer camp counselor and working at an after school program for kids in college. I tried my hand in the "grown-up world" but wasn't excited or inspired to go to work. After teaching English in South Korea for two years and taking high school kids on backpacking trips, I decided to get my Masters in Education and started teaching at an incredible school in Houston.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have had so many. Just this year I have had some incredible experiences! My entire curriculum is based on object-based learning. My school is in the heart of Houston's Museum District so we have walking access to about 10 different museums. I created my position at this school 8 years ago, as someone who loves culture, art, art history, science, animals, etc. I thought it would make for a very cool program to teach kids to think critically and creatively about the world around them.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Oh man. That amount of money would be life changing! I have two daughters, my eldest, Louise is 7 and has Cerebral Palsy. She has had a few major surgeries in the past year and we are climbing out from under a pile of medical debt. $25k would make a big dent in our medical bills. She is also in a very specialized school for children with learning disabilities. I would love to be able to make a donation to contribute to all the good work they are doing.