After having many teachers inspire me, including my grandfather (who was also a teacher), I decided that I wanted to make a difference and instill the love of learning in young people and help them realize they can achieve great things. I attended South Dakota State University to pursue a degree in Biology and Education. At the end of my freshman year, I was asked by one of my professors to be his assistant and teach zoology and mammalian physiology labs for the next three years. The experience solidified my passion for being a teacher.

After graduating from college in 1988, I taught at Newcastle High School in Newcastle, Wyoming. Being a small school, there were a lot of extracurricular opportunities besides teaching Biology such as coaching cross country, track, basketball, and serving as student council advisor. I quickly learned that I was not teaching a subject or sport; I was teaching students first.

In addition to teaching in Wyoming, I have taught in Rapid City, SD and now for the past eight years, I have taught at the high school from which I graduated in Watertown, SD. I currently teach Advanced Placement Biology and serve as the Science Department Chair and Literacy Mentor. For the past four years, I have taught Anatomy and Human Physiology courses at Lake Area Technical Institute to pre-health professionals. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for running by coaching cross country and track.

Six years ago, my district made the decision to provide a laptop for every student. Seeing the educational value in the technology, I have volunteered to be a technology coach in my school, teaching staff members about course management systems, student response systems, scientific probes, and Web 2.0 tools such as Wikis and blogs. To further my knowledge of educational technology and to increase my leadership skills, I obtained my master's degree in Educational Technology from Dakota State University in 2008. I am also a state technology trainer for districts that have adopted the one-to-one computer program.

Being 2005 South Dakota Teacher of the Year and 2007 South Dakota Outstanding Biology Teacher has provided opportunities for me to give presentations to spread the message that teachers are doing the most important job in the world and we have the responsibility to help each and every one of our students reach their potential. As teachers, we must always be improving and growing to help our students and colleagues realize and reach their dreams.

I live in the country outside of Watertown, South Dakota where I grew up as a child. I reside there on 35 acres with my husband, Brian, and four of our five children. My oldest daughter lives in Oklahoma. I am blessed with two grandchildren. I enjoy being involved in my children's activities, running, and gardening.