I have worked at The Wheatlands since the 2008-2009 school year and was also fortunate to join various other elementary schools part time during school years.  I primarily work with students at the first and second grade level teaching LLI (Leveled Literacy Intervention).  I graduated in 1990 from North Central College, in Naperville, with a degree in elementary education and then from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, in 1999 with a master’s degree as a reading specialist. My first teaching job was in the Valley View School District as a kindergarten teacher.  I also coached high school track and volleyball. Then, I worked in that district as a reading specialist, specializing in Reading Recovery. After that, I moved to District 204 and finally to School District 308, where I enjoyed my work in the  Reading Recovery field.   My main focus is working with students at the primary level, helping them grow as readers and writers.  But mostly I want them to gain the confidence and joy of becoming lifelong readers.