I was born and raised in Vermont. I grew up in a small, rural town with my mother and older brother. I first went to college at Tufts University in Massachusetts for two years where I majored in Early Childhood Education and Anthropology then decided to leave and study alternative healing. I completed an herbal apprenticeship program in Vermont and then moved to Washington to “get to know” my dad. While in Tacoma, I went back to school and got my massage therapy license. I spent the next 10 years practicing massage as well as caring for physically and mentally challenged young adults. I spent a great deal of time travelling back and forth across the country and exploring the beauty and uniqueness of the United States of America. I moved to Jefferson County in 2001 and in 2002 I decided to go Evergreen State University to complete my bachelor’s degree. In 2005 I came full circle back to my original desire of becoming an elementary teacher and went back to school once again to get a Master’s of Science in Elementary Education from Old Dominion University.
Since 2004 I have been living in Quilcene with my husband who is a musician and my now seven year old son. We live “off the grid” on five acres of land that we are trying to slowly farm and garden. We have a wonderful dog named Blue, a wildish cat named Job (pronounced with a long "o"), 8 chickens, one rooster, a duck named Mr. Duckles, a goose named Nemo, a goldfish named Omega and a beta fish named Sparkles. It is quite eventful in our yard!
I have been working in the Quilcene School District since 2006, as a student teacher, substitute teacher, para educator, HEP (now called PEARL) student learning plan consultant, K/2nd/6th grade math specialiast and K/1 teacher. This year I am delighted to be teaching 1st and 2nd grade. I have loved moving up with many of my students--some I have had the pleasure to have for 3 years now! I am thrilled that what I call my work is also my joy and passion and that I can do it here, in the town I call home.