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St. Ignatius Catholic School. It's an honor to have been selected as a member of the inaugural staff. I feel very blessed to be working the 6th grade students this year! There are a lot of exciting, interesting, and challenging things ahead for us. As the first 6th grade class of the school, what we read, create, learn, and write about will be a guideline for all future 6th grade classes. We are setting the standard in this most cherished beginning of our school.

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I received my higher education at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.  I hold a bachelor's in Counseling and a Master in Education degree specializing in grades 4-8.  I also have many master level classes in teaching the gifted and talented under my belt.  Learning has and will always be very important to me.

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My favorite thing in the world is yoga. I practice at least four times a week, either at the YMCA or at home. It brings me such peace of mind and body. I'm also an avid road cyclist. I love to participate in long rides ranging from 25-60 miles long. It's such a great way to stay in shape. During our cold winters though I go inside to spin classes at the Y. During the summer I like to walk Takoda a few times every day, and I like to take him camping in the trailer. Idaho is such a beautiful state, and I love spending time outside as much as possible. Lastly, I love to read every chance I get. The summer months allow me lots of time to catch up on books that pile up over the school year.

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I have two daughters---Melissa and Cynthia.  My younger daughter, Cynthia has two daughters of her own, and they live in the Seattle area.  Melissa lives right here in Boise.  I love to visit my granddaughters any chance I get!  They are a lot of fun!  Emma is going into 4th grade and Ana the 3rd, and they're pretty smart cookies!

My dad lives in Boise too. He lives at The Cottages of Boise, which is a memory care facility. He has advanced alzheimer's and needs 24 hour care. I visit him often during the summer, and mostly on weekends during the school year. I pray that soon there is a cure for this horrible disease. I would appreciate any prayers for my dad as he goes through his journey with alzheimer's. My mom passed away in 2013 of cancer. I miss her a lot. Lastly, I have a sister living in Norfolk, Virginia and she has a son attending Berkeley working on his doctorate. I almost forgot---I have a little dog named Takoda. He is a "chiweenie", which is a mix of chihuahua and dachshund. He is a rescue dog, and I adore him.

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I am coming to St. Ignatius from the West Ada School District, where I taught for 9 years.  Prior to moving to Idaho I taught in California.  I have experience in various grades from 2nd to middle school.  Most of my teaching has been in 5th grade, where I have spent 11 years educating 10-11 year olds.  I loved my time in 5th grade, but I'm so looking forward to moving up to 6th grade.  I have a lot of knowledge as to what 6th graders should know and be comfortable with learning.

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Me with Emma and Anastacia, my granddaughters.