I will begin my twelfth year of teaching in the Barboursville community. I taught three years at Barboursville Elementary and this year will be my ninth year at the newly consolidated Village of Barboursville Elementary. I have taught six years in special education five years in second grade and this will be my first year teaching fourth grade.

I attended Cabell County schools growing up and I graduated from Barboursville High School. I know how blessed I am to work with such wonderful students, staff, and parents.

Education

I graduated from Marshall University in the fall of 1998 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a specialization in Special Education.

I completed my Master's Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities from Marshall University in 2003. My certifications include Elementary Education K-8, Mild Mentally Impaired K-12, Learning Disabilities K-12, and Behavioral Disorders K-12.

Awards/Recognitions:

I was recently named the 2009-2010 Cabell County Teacher of the Year. I am currently working on my National Board Certification in Literacy:Reading and Language Arts.

Goals/Philosophy

My goal for my students is to instill a lifelong love of learning.Our classroom environment is one of action, participation, and hands-on involvement. The emphasis is to try your best and take risks. I provide a safe and nurturing environment so they feel free to become all they can. Working together with parents I can assure that every child feels welcomed and receives the best education possible.

I believe communication betweeen home and school is vital to the success of each child. Families and educators must work cohesively to ensure each child performs to the best of their ability.

Personal Bio

My husband and I have been married for fourteen years and we have two beautiful children together. Robbie is nine and Jillian is six. They are the absolute joy of our lives! Our parents live just a few miles from us so our children have the opportunity to enjoy both sets of grandparents daily! I have one older brother who also lives just a few miles from us.I also have a special brother-in-law serving in the Air Force in Rapid City South Dakota. I have two beautiful and talented nieces, Jorden and Syndey.

Click below to view pictures of my family

A few of my favorite things...

Color: Pink

Animal: Dogs

Food: Fried Chicken

Sport: Football

Team: Miami Dolphins (Go Chad Pennington!)

Season: Fall

Vacation: DisneyWorld

Dessert: Pumpkin Pie

Children's Author: Cynthia Rylant

Genre: Mystery

Holiday: Christmas

Song: "Pokerface"

Subject: Reading

Activity: Dancing-I was a majorette for both Barboursville High School and Marshall University. I am hoping my daughter Jillian follows in my footsteps!