Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a special education teacher because I have always loved helping others. In preschool, I befriended a boy with special needs when others were not so welcoming, teaching me the power of kindness and inclusion. That moment stayed with me and ever since my mom said she knew then I was meant to teach. Now, I strive to support, advocate, encourage, and make every child feel valued and capable every day.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences came during a very challenging year for me personally; one where I was teaching during my cancer treatment. I never told my students, wore my wig everyday, and would take half days on Friday for chemo. Being at school and teaching became the only part of me that felt normal that year. When I came back after my medical leave for my surgery, without wearing a wig, a student asked me to “prove” that I was really me. Luckily I passed his quiz!

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would create meaningful experiences for my family while also improving our home. I am a mom to three “littles”, 8, 5, & 4, who my husband and I have tried to create lasting memories with as much as we can. They have been wanting to visit the ocean for the first time and we would love to give them that experience! We would also like to make improvements to our home so that our family can be more comfortable, especially for our oldest who has significant allergies.