I am originally from Orange County, California, where I spent most of my childhood. My education began at O'Neil Elementary School in Mission Viejo, California. For a brief time, my family and I lived in Westlake, Ohio, where I attended Dover Elementary School in 5th and 6th grade. We returned to Garden Grove, California, where I attended Chapman Jr. High School and graduated from Pacifica High High School.

I began college at Cal State University, Long Beach as a Psychology major. My love for coaching gymnastics gave me the desire to become an educator (and apply the psychology). I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and of course, my teaching credential.

I have been teaching at Hermosa Valley a total of 19 years. My first two years I was employed by the Beach Cities Health District as a physical education specialist giving support to the elementary staff in physical education. I fell in love with Hermosa Valley and jumped at the chance to apply here when a position became available. I was the Richstone Teacher of
the Year in 1998.

One year, while attending outdoor science school as a chaperone, the infamous Mrs. Strange predicted that teaching science at HVS was in my future. Four years ago, I earned a supplemental authorization in science and have been teaching science since then!

Family time is my favorite hobby, however, when life slows down a bit the first place I'll go is to the gym, shopping, or the Coffee Bean!

Hopefully, students who attend my class leave with a solid foundation in physical science preparing them for high school. I try to emphasize the positive by giving students rewards such as positive charge cards for exemplary behavior, class work, or participation. Remember, positive charges cancel out negative charges!