I grew up in Denison, Iowa and graduated high school in 1987.  I then attended AIB in Des Moines where I received an associate’s degree in Business Administration and Office Management.  I worked for a small business in the Des Moines area for seven years.  I then attended Upper Iowa University where I majored in Elementary Education.  I received endorsements in the areas of Reading and Early Childhood. This will be my fourteenth year teaching at Pleasant Hill Elementary.  I taught a first/second grade combination my first year and I taught fourth grade for the last eleven years.  This is my second year teaching kindergarten.  I am also the Dean of Students here at Pleasant Hill.  During the 2007-2008 school, I was named Elementary Educator of the Year in Des Moines.  I come from a large family.  I have seven brothers and five sisters.  Five of my siblings are also in the education field.  I have thirty-one nieces and nephews and five great nieces and nephews.  I live in Waukee.  I love shopping, reading, sports, movies, and spending time with friends and family.