After growing up in northern Illinois, I moved to Birmingham and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and English at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. I completed my ESOL endorsement and then obtained my M.Ed from Kennesaw University in 2010. I have also completed my gifted and social studies endorsements. I cannot foresee a time when I will not be continuing my education in some capacity as I believe that one is never too old to learn!
I moved to Georgia in 2003 and have taught on a variety of levels which include homeschooling my own children, teaching at a homeschool cooperative, teaching pre-k, kindergarten, third grade, high school English, science to kindergarten through 5th grade students, tutoring adult English speakers of another language in English, 7th grade language arts, 6th grade language arts and social studies, and am now happily back in elementary school teaching 3rd grade. I also spent 3 years working as a volunteer art teacher. I am excited to be a part of the Kennedy Dragons team and am eager to spend my 11th year of full-time teaching with the Kennedy Elementary students.
I am a mom to four children and a stepmom to three more. My children range in age from 30 to 16, and I have a one year old grandbaby. I am also a fur baby momma to the amazing Zoey Churillo. In my spare time, I like to hike, read, and do yoga.
I really love to teach!!!!
My Philosophy:
I believe that each child is uniquely gifted and able to learn well. It is my desire to help students reach their full potential in all areas through providing a stimulating, safe, nurturing, and supportive environment that fosters risk-taking and the sharing of ideas.