I was born and raised in St. Louis. I have been in education for over 15 years working with young people from Pre-K up to high school.

I earned my Bachelor's degree from Webster University in education and my Master's degree from Missouri Baptist University in counseling. I enjoy teaching and working with children in various capacities. My purpose is to equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need, while also pushing them to strive to be their best. I have several hobbies and interests, including reading and writing (published author), being an active member of my church, traveling, football, and cooking, just to name a few.

I was born and raised in Missouri. As a child, I lived in an extremely small town called Owensville; then moved to the St. Louis area as a middle schooler. I earned my Bachelor's degree and teaching certification from Fontbonne University in 2002 and have been working in schools in some capacity ever since. I have been with the Ferguson-Florissant School District for 9 years as an art teacher and an advisor here at Innovation. I believe that true learning comes when interests are involved. The Big Picture Learning Model is by far the closest type of learning to "real life" and I am thrilled to be a part of this endeavor! 

I love to create all types of art and I also enjoy spending time with my family, adventuring and exploring the world around us. I am passionate about helping others. I recognize that I would not be where I am in life if not for the input of those around me while I was growing up. The experiences I've had, the information that has been shared with me, the examples that were set, and the love and forgiveness I have received all shaped me into the person I am. I hope to live in a way that helps others see their own potential and help them achieve it. 

 I love learning! I graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Loyola University Chicago in philosophy and gender studies. I continued my studies at the University of Missouri -- St. Louis and attained a master of arts degree in history, as well as a master of education degree in secondary education. Before teaching at Innovation, I taught history at the University of Missouri -- St. Louis and interdisciplinary subjects at a private school. I am passionate about learning in all subjects and areas. My particular academic interests include African history, epistemology, and astrophysics. I love to ask "Why?" and find answers to that question. I am excited to be teaching at Innovation because our teaching and learning model perfectly aligns with my pedagogical beliefs, as it focuses on building relationships, student-centered learning, and real-world experiences. Outside of the classroom, my husband and I enjoy rock climbing, playing games, writing, painting, crocheting, hiking, reading, staring at our many succulents, and hanging out with our four rescue dogs!