Growing up in Hopkins, South Carolina, I have lived in Richland County all of my life. I graduated from USC with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. I have done additional course work at USC, Columbia College, the College of Charleston, and Converse College. I am certified in both elementary education and middle level mathematics, I have obtained the gifted and talented endorsement, and I am highly qualified, according to the No Child Left Behind legislation.

The first 20 years of my career I taught at Hammond School in Columbia. The next 10 years I was at Lexington Elementary. Then I moved up the street to Lexington Middle School for two years, and I have been here at Pleasant Hill since its opening. I serve as the math department chair.

I have been married for 38 years to my husband Van, and we have two sons, Van, 26, and John, 23. Van graduated cum laude from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and works with WLTX-TV in Columbia. John graduated from Lexington High School and attends the University of South Carolina.

In addition to my school work and my family, I enjoy other things. I am treasurer of my church, St. John's Episcopal Church in Hopkins. Being a member of the David Hopkins Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, I help to promote patriotism in my community. I like to read, and I like to travel, especially to Edisto Beach and on cruises.