I began my teaching career in 1981 after graduating from UCF with a BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I taught at Dover Shores for 23 great years, where I earned the honor of being Teacher of the Year. I taught at Durrance, a wonderful magnet and ESE school, for one year. Wanting to relocate to the west side, I began teaching at Whispering Oak in its inaugural year. I've taught first through fourth grades throughout my teaching career, and have found second grade to be my favorite. I became National Board Certified as an Early Childhood Generalist (2000) and earned my Masters Degree in Brain Based Learning (2003). I am ESOL endorsed and Reading endorsed.

I enjoy being a generalist (teaching all subjects), and I love having my students with me all day. My goal is to foster a love of reading in my students. I also strive to foster intrinsic (self) motivation. I do not believe in giving unrelated punishments or trite rewards. I believe in empowering children, using natural consequences, giving choices, and having LOTS of celebrations, whether large or small. I believe the learning brain is social, and allow my students to work together much of the day, while allowing for movement whenever possible. Thus, there is a hum of activity going on most of the time. I enjoy action research and am an avid learner.

Personally, I have one big and witty adult son and three fun grandchildren. I love dogs, cats, learning & trying new things, and music, especially Blues!

I look forward to learning and growing while helping my present students do the same throughout the course of the school year!