I am so excited to be starting my second year in the TSW program here at DVHS!  We have so much planned for this year.  It is going to be an exciting adventure filled year with lots of wonderful opportunities for our students!  

     This is my 29th year in education, 10th year in the district, and 3rd year at DVHS. I am a native Flagstaff girl, born and raised, but received both of my degrees from Iowa State University.  Prior to coming to DVUSD, I spent ten years teaching at Cottonwood Middle School in Cottonwood. Before that, I taught in Iowa and New Mexico on the Navajo Reservation. My career has led me to teaching kindergarten through doctoral students with a special teaching emphasis in Holocaust Education.  In 2012, I was named Yavapai County Teacher of the Year for my work with Holocaust Education.

     My philosophy for teaching and life is to never give up, because you can do anything you set your mind to if you try:)   My favorite book is The Little Engine That Could.  This is something that I share with my students each year, because to me it is the definition of perseverence.  This book has been a constant in my own life when facing challenges.  Perseverence will be a key pillar in our TSW class this year.

    Faith, family, and friends are my priorities outside of school. I am married to my husband, Scott.  My son, Tristan, is married to his lovely wife, Ronda, and they are expecting my first grandchild, a "little boy," in October.  In addition, I am blessed to have my awesome bonus son, Jack, who is a senior here at DVHS and our precious Shih Tzu PoPo completes our family unit!   The color purple, New Kids on the Block, and anything that sparkles bring sunshine to my life as well:) 

   Communication is the key to my partnership with staff, students, and parents here at Deer Valley High School, so please feel free to contact me if you need to discuss something to improve the success of your teen in our TSW program.