I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Maryville College (Maryville, Tennessee) in Child Development and Learning. I earned my Master of Science degree from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville, Tennessee) in Curriculum and Instruction. I earned my Educational Leadership degree (administration) from the University of Alabama (Birmingham).

I started teaching in 1993 in Alcoa, Tennessee. I taught 5th grade in an open pod classroom. I was one of the first 21st century classrooms in Tennessee, which entitled me to 5 classroom computers; that was a big deal back then. Our school had its own television station and my 5th-grade classroom put on a weekly news show that was both educational and entertaining. Since the start of my teaching career, I have established pre-k programs, taught several grades, and worked in many different roles within the educational environment. I have taught school in Tennessee and Alabama. I enjoy helping students grow to their full potential.

I am an assistant cross-country coach at James Clemens High School, as well as the assistant coach for indoor and outdoor track. My husband and I have been married for 26 years and have four children (1 son and 3 daughters). Our son graduated from Spring Hill College and is officially adulting. Our oldest daughter graduated from Birmingham Southern College and is in medical school. Our third child is a junior at Trevecca University in Nashville. Our youngest is a senior at James Clemens High School. We have an Italian Greyhound dog named Tucky. I have 3 axolotls thanks to my students who introduced me and helped me fall in love with these unique little critters. We enjoy traveling as a family.