I grew up in Southeast Idaho.  Surrounded by potato farms, I earned money by hauling irrigation pipes, planting potatoes, and harvesting potatoes.  After graduating from high school, I attended Idaho State University and studied Special Education and Elementary Education.   I spent a year and a half serving a mission for my church in Taiwan.  After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education, I went back to Taiwan and taught English for awhile.  While living in Taiwan, I learned to speak Mandarin Chinese.  I also grew to love the people and I determined to adopt children from China.

In 1992, I moved to Seattle and taught K-3 special education students in the Seattle Public School District at Bailey Gatzert Elementary School.  I also went to school at the University of Washington and earned a Master's Degree in Special Education.  During this time, I had several foster children.

In 1999, I moved to Granite Falls and began teaching at Monte Cristo.  I moved to the Granite Falls area because while living in Seattle, I often escaped the city by enjoying all the hiking and camping available in the Granite Falls area. 

In December, 2002, I adopted my first daughter, Rachel, from Yangchun, Guangdong, China.  In May, 2005, I adopted my second daughter, Erin Joy, from Dongguan, Guangdong, China.  My daughters mean the world to me. 

I began teaching at Mountain Way Elementary two years ago.  I enjoy teaching fourth grade and I look forward to another great year of learning and fun at Mountain Way!