I have a passion for teaching your child. I also have a firm belief in public education. I have lived in and taught in Tennessee and North Carolina. However, I grew up in Hickory and call it home. I remember Catawba Mall. Specifically, I remember eating at the Eckerd's drug store and shopping with my mom at Spainhour's. Likewise, I have vivid memories of going to get a livermush sandwich at Homer's (Windy City Grill) every Saturday with my dad, which was then a little rinky-dink building in the old Ace Hardware parking lot. Lastly, I hold valuable lessons that I learned from Ms. Kim at the Hickory Foundation Center. I am married and a mother of two boys, Bryson and William, an adorable baby girl, Marissa ("MK").
I am not only a teacher for Hickory Public Schools at Oakwood Elementary, but I am also a proud product of H.P.S.. I attended Jenkins Elementary (principal-Bunny White [no relation]) GO BOBCATS, College Park Middle School (principal-Martha Hill) GO CYCLONES, and Hickory High School (Dr. Dan Massey). GO RED TORNADOS! I attended undergraduate and graduate school in TN. I hold a Master's of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on the practice of reading. I have present to other educators at a district and state level. I am honored to have been awarded Wilmer Jenkins Teacher of the Year for Oakwood (2018), Oakwood Teacher of the Year (2021), and HPS district Teacher of the Year runner-up (2021).
At this point in my life...any intermediate grade is GREAT. I find they understand me, my sense of humor, and thoroughly enjoy my style of teaching. I am a humble person, but I also have no doubt in my ability to teach your child. I strive to make learning fun and meaningful for all my students. Through relationships, and building confidence in my students, I focus on promoting lifelong learning that encourages children to reach their full potential. Seeing my students feel good about themselves as they reach their goals (and mine) is the most rewarding part of my job. I want every student to be a successful and productive citizen. A citizen who can give back to Hickory. I have a true vision of providing my students with a solid foundation, moving them forward to the next level in their educational career, and preparing them to become the best at anything they choose.
My Educational Philosophy: To Educate The "WHOLE" Child.
My Motto: "I Can't Change Your Circumstances, But I Can Help You Overcome Them!"