I am a native of Alexander County where I attended Sugar Loaf Elementary School for grades K-6, East Alexander Junior High School for grades 7-9, and Alexander Central High School for grades 10-12.  After high school, I attended UNC-Asheville on a North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship where I received a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Teaching Certificate for Elementary Education.  Since beginning my teaching career in 1998, I have also received National Board Certification and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University.  This is currently my 19th year teaching in Alexander County.   In addition to my teaching career, I am a mother of 2, Alivia (age 17) and Levi (2 years old). My daughter attends ACHS where she is involved in chorus, volleyball, student council, BETA Club, and cheerleading which keeps us pretty busy.  My husband, Chris, is also a native of Alexander County.  Because of our background, I have a strong connection to our community and want all of my students to grow to be productive members of the community.