I grew up on the East Side.  Graduated from DM East High School. I am married and have two children: Amanda and Jake. My daughter is in management in sales, and my son just graduated from DM, EHS  and is on his way to college.  After graduation, I worked in a nursing home, and returned to school to be a Nurses Aid. I found this very rewarding and worthwhile.  After having my first child was born, I started a Day Care in my home.  This lasted for 23 years, raising 2 generations.  This I also found rewarding and worthwhile.  I took one year off from this to care for my grandmother. All my babies grew up, so I decided to do something new.  I came to the Des Moines Public Schools to work with children. I have been with the DMPS  for 3 years, watching these children learn and grow along with their families is a joy and a pleasure.