Tell us why you became a teacher

Teaching is a second career for me. I had an MBA and was working in marketing and PR. I still loved science, and when I had the opportunity to volunteer at my children's school, I found working with children and teens very fulfilling. I went back to school and received my master's in science teaching and never looked back. I love the relationships I make with my students and the opportunity to share science with my high schoolers.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Early in my career, I had a student who was struggling with mental health issues. I worked with her mom, and she ended up learning and thriving in my classroom because she was very pragmatic, and science filled the void for her. She ended up working with me for all four years in high school and is now a freshman in college, working to become a doctor. She has blossomed, and I will never forget her.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would love to acquire more biotechnology materials for our science classes. Currently, we only have some older equipment. I have searched for grants, but would love to fund all of our classes, including middle school, with the tools our students need to become scientists in and out of the classroom.