I attended Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in special education. I began teaching in a junior high special education classroom, and that is when I knew that junior high was the age group that I loved to work with. 

While teaching, I also worked extensively with families who had young children with autism. I earned my master’s degree at Lewis University, Romeoville, Ill. I completed my internship and filled in for a few maternity leaves at Plank Junior High School before joining the staff in 2010. I job share the role of counselor, working with students with last names M–Z, and I work every Thursday, Friday and alternating Wednesdays.