I was born in Kansas City, KS and grew up locally in Lyons, CO. My family owns a small farm where my grandmother practices occupational therapy. My younger years are defined by learning from the world around me and having fun. This has given me wonderful insights and tools throughout my adult life. After a few brief moves to Chicago and Washington D.C., I am settled back in beautiful Denver. I live in the Sunnyside neighborhood with my two dogs, Wally and Eva, and my cat Phoenix.

When I am not in school, I love travel the world, camp with my family, run my own business, write children's books, and help my community. After spending over a decade in the restaurant industry, I decided to make a change. I took the skills I learned through managing and training into my new career. I haven't looked back since! I made the choice to attend the primary education program at UNC Center of Urban Education in Lowry. I have been in the program for two years. This is my last year of classes and then I student teaching in Fall 2017.

I have worked at a couple DPS schools as a paraprofessional. My first year, I worked at Academia Ana Marie Sandoval, a dual language Montessori school in Northern Denver. I was in ECE and it was there that I truly discovered my passion for teaching. Currently, I am starting my second year at Isabella Bird Community School. I will be assisting in a 3rd grade classroom in the mornings and going to my classes in the afternoon. My favorite part of the program is utilizing the skills I acquiring at the center and applying them every day in real life situations at the elementary school and in tutoring. Once completing my certification and degree, I aspire to work as a primary educator where I can continue to create an environment where students are empowered to be passionate lifelong learners.