I attended Iowa State University and received my degree in Elementary Education. I attended Northern Illinois University and received my Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities. I worked in Sandwich, Illinois for 3 years before returning home to Iowa. I have worked in  Des Moines Public Schools since Fall of 2001.

Hi families!  This is my 9th year with DMPS- all at Park Avenue!  I graduated from Clarke University with Elementary and Special Education degrees as well as an endorsement in Reading.  I also graduated from Drake University earning my Master’s degree with my Reading Specialist certification.

My husband and I are both from the Des Moines area and are raising our two children in the Metro area as well!  Abigail is 5 and Oliver is 3!  They keep me busy when I’m not at school!

I’m excited to see the growth that all students make this year!

This is going to be my 8th year as a special education teacher at Park Avenue. Prior to that, I taught in Arizona for 20 years. I am originally from Iowa and glad to be back.

My goal as an educator is to guide students towards becoming happy, healthy, and confident members of society. One of my favorite quotes is also a positive moto I use with my students… “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”- A.A. Milne