Born and raised in Indiana, I attended Indiana University and earned an Associates Degree in General Education.  After marrying my husband, I attended the College of DuPage and National Louis University to acquire my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education.   My first teaching job was in a Catholic School in Lisle.  My positions were Reading Focus teacher, Physical Education Aide, and School Librarian.  Employed by S.A.S.E.D., I taught for three years in a self-contained, multi-needs classroom, as a one-on-one aide to autistic and physically disabled 5-10 year olds.  I began teaching third grade at Oak View in 2005.  The following year, I became a first grade teacher, and have continued teaching first grade ever since.