Since childhood, I have been surrounded by young children. It started as being raised as one of five children, then landing my first job as a high school summer camp counselor, later working as a preschool director, to becoming a public elementary teacher. I received my BA from Oregon State University, my Early Childhood Certificate from De Anza College, and my M.Ed. from Notre Dame de Namur University. My love for early childhood deepened when I started working as a kindergarten teacher at Loyola in 1997, and I instantly found a community that supports and stimulates my growth as a teacher. I am so very fortunate to have had the experiences teaching grades TK through third and proud to continue all these years later as a Loyola Lion. When I am not working, I treasure my down time with my two daughters, husband, cat and dog in Menlo Park. Connecting to nature through neighborhood walks, local parks, the ocean, and mountains is my nourishment whether with family, friends, dog, or alone.