I grew up just north of Chicago and earned my bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University. I began my teaching career in the early 1990s, teaching first grade in Arizona. After returning to the Chicago area, I spent 20 years teaching special education for grades K–6, where I developed a strong passion for supporting diverse learners to reach their potential. In 2021, I was fortunate to join the Dolores School District, where I taught for three and a half years. After a year away, I am thrilled to return as an Elementary ESS teacher, continuing my commitment to creating inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environments for all students.