Tell us why you became a teacher

At 32, I returned to school at Walsh University to become an intervention specialist after working with the Advocates for the Right of the Challenged. Growing up with a mother who was a special education teacher and alongside a cognitively disabled family member shaped my passion for supporting individuals with diverse learning needs. I am dedicated to helping students who struggle with reading, math, and emotional regulation, and I work each day to create engaging and meaningful experiences.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have the privilege of creating informative videos for our school featuring our Avondale students. I work closely with our Fierce Females group on meaningful service projects that give back to our community. Throughout the year, I travel to each classroom as the “Mad Scientist,” bringing science lessons to life with hands-on, interactive experiences. In addition, I lead our schoolwide One Book, One Avondale initiative, and STEM project every May that brings our entire school together.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My husband works as an Investigator for the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Since our honeymoon 21 years ago, we haven’t had the chance to take a vacation together. I would truly love to plan a special getaway for him—a much-needed time of rest and renewal.