I became a teacher because I have a passion for children and youth with a desire to make the community I live in a better place. I believe that every child and youth deserve someone who will champion them. From the moment they arrive until they graduate high school and beyond, I want them to know that I am one of their biggest fans and believe they can do anything they set their mind to do.

I founded a mentorship program (Cougar Connection) at my Title 1 elementary school 12 years ago. It started with 40 elementary/high school students but now has over 150. High school students speak on topics like overcoming failure, persevering, and accountability. This builds leadership skills and empathy with the high school students while elementary students have relatable role models. This program has created students that boost school connectivity and foster academic confidence.

I would use a portion of it to enrich my school by purchasing a new academic buzzer system for competitions. A colleague and I coach the academic team and this past winter placed 1st among 40 other schools in the region (so proud!), because our current buzzer system does not work. I would rent a place for the staff of my school to have an end of the year party. I would help my daughter-in-law with classroom materials for her own classroom, and take my husband on a vacation.