I knew that I wanted to be a teacher in 6^th grade.  Miss Powers, my teacher, inspired me to pursue education as my life’s work. I enjoy working with children and seeing the “light of learning” come on for them. Nothing in the world beats a kindergartener or first grader who has just read their first sentence as their face beams with pride. I believe that reading, as well as math, are essential skills for all students.

I am from the Midwest; I was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in a south suburb. I received my B.S. in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University and my Master’s degree in Human Learning and Development from Governor’s State University. I taught for ten years in Dolton, Illinois at Franklin School where I taught 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grade as well as 7^th and 8^th graders in summer school

My husband and I moved to Redmond, Washington 28 years ago with our young daughter. I taught kindergarten at a private school and then was hired by the Lake Washington School District in 1982. I have taught at A.G. Bell, Horace Mann, Samantha Smith and Louisa May Alcott and I have had experience teaching grades K – 6. I was a Staff Developer for the district for six years. During that time, I trained many teachers on district curriculum, was a new teacher coach and taught many classes for Seattle Pacific University in the district. I was assigned to ten elementary schools and provided coaching to all grade levels and training on a variety of subjects.  I went back to school for my Principal Credential and did my internship with david Larson, at Emily Dickinson Elementary. I interviewed and was chosen as principal of Alcott Elementary where I served for five years.  For the past two years, I have worked at the Central Office where I researched and redesigned the Professional Development system for the district as well as led adoption committees for new materials for Secondary Social Studies, French, Japanese and Fine Arts as well as Elementary Social Studies.

I love to garden, take photographs, visit historic places and go to antique shows. I am an avid reader and I enjoy reading about brain research and trends in education, as well as a good fiction book. Our daughter attended Lake Washington Schools and she was well prepared for college and beyond.

I am excited to come to Rose Hill Elementary. While at the Resource Center I learned many things, but I also realized how much I missed children. I am looking forward to being a part of their lives and encouraging them to learn and grow. You will see me around the school interacting with students and staff. I welcome you to our school and encourage you to come and introduce yourself to me. Rose Hill has a fine reputation; I am committed to working hard to continue fine traditions and to encourage our growth together as the Rose Hill Family of students, staff, parents and community.