While working in a position serving adults with developmental disabilities, I realized I wanted to serve young people and help them learn the most they are able to learn as children, while receiving their free public education.

That’s why, raising three kids of my own, I decided to switch my major from occupational therapy and to become a special education teacher.

Twenty years later, I have taught at all three levels of K-12 education (elementary, middle school, and high school). I’ve also taught in alternative programs, including teaching in a juvenile detention center classroom for three years (which I loved).

I hold an undergraduate degree in special education, a masters degree in educational leadership (administration preK-12), and endorsements in the areas of behavior intervention and teaching English language learners (formerly ESL).

The aspect of teaching that I love is finding the connection I can build between a student and the learning. In some cases that is a lot more difficult to discover than in others, but that does not deter me from wanting to make the connection. This habit I have developed of making these connections has proven to be highly valued, so I want to extend my services to others in the field so their day to day work can be less stressful and more rewarding.

One thing I see that is consistently true is this - teachers are exhausted in their work toward meeting student needs. I have yet to locate a service available to help teachers meet the requirements of their jobs. That is what has inspired me to bring Class Rethink to life. No judgments, just support from one educator to another.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, my grandkids and my dogs (both permanent and fosters). Sometimes those kids I raised make an appearance, as well.