W hat has shaped me to become who I am today? The answers would be my family, my career, my international experiences, and my doctoral journey. 

I grew up in a small town in the Midwest where integrity is worth more than money. Rural America in the 1980s was a wonderful place and time to grow up. I had the freedom to explore but was expected to learn from poor choices. The lessons of my youth resonate with me: honor your commitments, be honest, be kind, take responsibility, and support others whenever you can. Your reliability and diligence reflect your character, so always do your best and then some. 

My experiences teaching in different states and countries have opened my eyes to the crucial importance of recognizing and encouraging diverse ways of being, thinking, and understanding.  Knowing the value of embracing different perspectives, histories, and cultures is fundamental to understanding system change and advancement. 

In 2020 during COVID, my father passed unexpectedly from aggressive cancer. The reality that there is never a "perfect time" and that life is unpredictable made me decide to pursue my dream of earning a doctorataldegree. I spent the next 3.5 years working and going to school full-time in order to earn an Ed.D. My research focus is addressing the need to fully implement science assessment practices aligned with inquiry-based learning that could be used by any teacher in any modality. 

My doctoral journey built an extraordinary level of resilience, teaching me to view setbacks not as failures but as essential data points in the pursuit of long-term goals. During the process, I cultivated a blend of intellectual humility and confidence, leaving me with the grit to master any challenge and the wisdom to respect its complexities.

A FEW INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ME

1

Staying Active

I have completed 2 marathons; one in Colombia and the other at Disneyworld. I also did the 100 mile Tour de Mount Blanc hiking trek through the European Alps and Germany's Black Forest hike.

2

Rescuing Animals

I love all creatures great and small. I have given a classroom home to quite a number of pets. I also love to foster animals and have provided my extended family with furry friends.

3

Happy Place

My husband and I escape to Disneyland on the weekends. We love the rides, atmosphere, and happiness. We have visited all the Disney parks in teh USA and around the world!

4

Hometown

I grew up in Sturgis, SD Sturgis is famous for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally which this year attracted about 1,000,000 motorcyclists into a town of 7,000 and a state of only about 800,000!

5

Furry Family

My husband and I have have 4 cats. The most recent furbaby joined us after my mother passed in 2024. In the past we have had ferrets, rats, hamsters, a chinchilla, sugar gliders, guinea pigs, and a gerbil.

6

Hobbies

My favorite genres are science fiction, classical murder mysteries, and fantasy. My weaknesses are coffee, candy and pizza. I love to travel for vacation and have visited over 40 countries.