Welcome to another fantastic year! 

I grew up in an agricultural setting in eastern Washington. Hard work was the norm from an early age, and I developed an understanding of the importance of hard work and a sense of satisfaction from a job well done.

I graduated 1998 from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education.  I started my career in the Bellevue School District, and then taught in the Lake Washington School District for several years.  I was a Cedar Wood parent for many years, and now that my children have moved on to middle and high school, I am thrilled to be teaching at Cedar Wood - the elementary school that so wonderfully supported their educations.

When I am not at school, I live locally with my two sons, ages seventeen and fourteen.  In my spare time, I am a voracious reader.  My favorite Saturday morning activity is to curl up with a good book and a cup of coffee.  I write, paint and create ceramics to satisfy my need for artistic expression.  I rock climb and do flying trapeze to satisfy my sense of adventure.  In addition, I am outdoors whenever possible, and love to swim, walk, run and bike!  Yep - I'm active!  :) 

I am a firm believer in open communication, and I hope that you feel comfortable coming to me when you need to talk!   I welcome parents' notes, phone calls, e-mails, and work hard to respond as promptly as possible - usually within 24 hours.  I enjoy talking to parents for two reasons:  first, I genuinely value your input and insight as parents and know that you value mine as well.  Second, I like to check in with parents - both to celebrate successes and to plan strategies for positive change.

I am very excited to have your student in my class this year and am looking forward to a year full of learning, growth, and development!