I'm excited to begin my role as the gifted specialist at New River Elementary.  I have been in public education for 19 years.  During those years, I have served as a teacher, instructional coach, gifted services coordinator, and an administrator.  I grew up in Iowa and moved to Arizona in 2004 after graduating with my bachelor's degree in science at Iowa State University.  After teaching for several years, I went back to school at Arizona State University, to obtain my master's degree in administration.  I have a passion for the gifted learner and helping students reach their personal best.  I have a wonderful family and a husband, and I am a mom to a 9-year-old son, Harrison, who is my pride and joy.