This is my sixth year at York. I have been teaching for 22 years. I was born and raised in San Diego, CA, and have been living in NC since 2007. I attended San Diego State University and received my degree in Sociology and Psychology. After working with abused children for several years, I went back and got my teaching credential. I've enjoyed every minute of my journey. My daughter, Lily, is a senior this year and we are caught up in the college search frenzy! My son, Jackson, is a seventh grader and keeps me busy with his basketball and karate activities. In my spare time, I like to dabble in photography, watch NBA basketball (Go Warriors!), read, and have adventures with my kids. We have two rescue kitties (Sasha and Shay) who complete our family.

Background: This will be my 27th  year of teaching. I have had the privilege of teaching 2nd grade for 14 years, 3rd grade for 7 years, and concluded my 5th year as a 5th grade ELA teacher. I love reading and sharing my love for reading and for books. It is my hope that all students will leave my classroom loving to read. I am so excited to start a new adventure in my teaching career at York Elementary. I am also excited to get to know the students, staff, and families at York. Always feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns or just to share a favorite book.

Favorite Book:  This is a tough one for me to answer.  If you ask my students, they will say that I say every book is my favorite and they are probably right.  I will say that my favorite novels at the moment are: “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown, “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate, “Refugee” by Alan Gratz

Picture Book: “The Oldest Student” by Rita L. Hubbard (She learned to read at 116! )

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Food:  Mexican and I love a chicken biscuit from Bojangles.  

Favorite Candy:  Peanut M&Ms and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

Favorite Quote: “Books are the plane, and the train, and the road.  They are the destination and the journey.  They are home.”- Anna Quindlen

Favorite Teams:   NFL: Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs  College: NC State Wolfpack 

Hobbies:  Movies, Books, Reading, Music, Traveling, Running, Netflix watching, Bookstores, Superheroes, Superman

I arrived at York during the 2022-2023 school year as a late hire teacher. My former students have taught me so much about being a teacher nowadays. I have enjoyed every minute of this new journey. The 2023-2024 school year will be my first full year of teaching here at York Elementary School. However, I worked in other classroom roles within WCPSS before joining the York family.  

I was born in New Jersey, but raised in a smaller town here in North Carolina. I attended DeVry University and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management in 2016. During the pandemic, after having worked in several Wake schools as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher, I realized that I had a passion for teaching. I then attended Grand Canyon University and obtained my Masters in Elementary Education grades K-6.  

My immediate family consists of my husband of almost 12 years, Kory who is an OTR truck driver, my 19-year-old daughter, Mya who recently graduated from high school the previous school year and is currently finding her way as an adult in this world, and my 16-year-old daughter, Kori who is a junior at Leesville Road High School. We also have a small Chihuahua/Dachshund mixed breed named Sassy.   

In my spare time, I enjoy attending family gatherings, going out to eat, and creating DIY beauty crafts. I enjoy canvas painting, reading AA fiction, listening to music, cooking, and most recently, exercising. My favorite color is black (some say black is not a color at all). My favorite food is pizza and any Italian pasta dishes. My favorite candies are Kit Kats and Sour Punch Straws. My favorite sports team are the Dallas Cowboys. I am extremely excited to be your child’s teacher this school year!