I attended Illinois State Universityin Normal Illinois, receiving my bachelor’s degree in special and elementary education, with junior high endorsements in math and science. My masters’ work was completed at Grand Valley State University, with a focus on learning disabilities. I was an itinerant teacher in Springfield and later in Oswego/Yorkville for one year. At Round Lake Junior High, I taught students with learning challenges. My experience also includes working with Deaf/Hard of Hearing high school students at Streamwood High School, and in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for four years each. At Prairie Point Elementary School, I have taught kindergarten through second grade deaf and hard of hearing students for nine years.

In 2009, I received my National Board Certification. I attended a practicum and symposium to receive a certificate in listening and spoken language in 2011. In 2013, I participated in the Master Teacher Project through the National Education Association and posted 130 Common Core lessons online. Teaching young kids with hearing and language challenges is my passion and Prairie Point is a great place for staff and kids.