I am was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona.  I loved Arizona summers because as a child, I loved swimming, going to the lake, hiking and camping.   My husband and I moved to Williston, North Dakota in 2014 shortly after having our first child..  My husband’s career lead us to Williston, which seems to be pretty typical here with the oil boom.   
 I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood development.  Before earning my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, I worked in a preschool classroom as a teacher’s assistant.  It was in that classroom that I fell in love with teaching and teaching children of various diversities and abilities.  From Head start, I took a position as a Paraprofessional in a Special Education classroom.  It was here that I learned so many useful skills for working with children with different abilities.  Advocating for students with special needs and inclusion is one of my passions, as my own child has special needs.     

I have a passion for teaching through compassion, care and so much patience.  I believe that all children want to learn and exceed in the classroom and it is my job to teach my students the skills and self-esteem to exceed in the classroom.  

I believe that students of this age learn best through hands on experiences and play.  Children need a fun, warm, inviting, safe classroom to learn and grow.  In my classroom we have fun, we paint with our hands, we dig in the dirt, we play with water and mud.  Children are so curious at this age and love to explore.  We plant gardens, watch plants grow, watch a caterpillar turn into a butterfly.  I believe that I am my classrooms guide, but my students are the leaders.  We choose activities that interest my students and I help guide and encourage my students to learn through their interests.  

 In my spare time I enjoy painting, hiking, bike riding with my family and reading.  One of my favorite things about my job is that I get to be silly and goofy with my students and unlike adults, they don’t think I’m weird.   

 

I am so excited to have your student in my class this year and I can’t wait to learn, grow and develop together.     

  

North West Human Services provides support and resources for:

·      Developmental disabilities

·      Early Intervention Services

·      Home programming

·      Coordinated care through caseworkers

·      Help with locating Respite care

·      Mental Health Services

·      Health Care coordination and services

·      Parent support and training

 

Visit: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/disabilities/dd.html

4.) Family Voices of North Dakota:

Family Centered Care is their principal.  

This source provides tools for families to make informed decision, build partnerships, self-advocacy information and provides trusted resources on healthcare.