Roots as an Educator
I have a vision for excellent educational opportunities for all students and an education track record that supports this vision.
Education is at the heart of all I do and who I am. My public education plays a vital role in where I am today. Graduating as valedictorian of my high school in Shelby County took me to the University of Kentucky, where I earned dual bachelor’s degrees summa cum laude in Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education. I continued my education by earning a Master of Arts in Secondary Education and a Master of Arts in Mathematics. As a lifelong learner, I have recently returned to school at the University of the Cumberlands, where I am studying to earn my PhD in Leadership Studies with an emphasis in Mathematics.
Leaders must be learners - always growing, always listening, always striving for a better tomorrow.
I previously worked at the University of Kentucky as a faculty instructor for the Mathematics Department. I taught undergraduate-level math courses and was the course coordinator for the sequence of courses: Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers. I am also a certified Rank 1 high school mathematics teacher and previously taught at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.
My classroom goal is always to foster a community of mutual respect and understanding. For students to feel like they can prevail when faced with academic challenges, they need to feel valued as a person. I look to build a professional yet personal rapport with each student and class. A key to a successful education is having a positive and thought-provoking atmosphere to learn and cultivate new ideas.
I continue to bring these same philosophies to my service on the school board: fostering a community of mutual respect and understanding for our students, families, staff, and community.
- Students should feel engaged and valued, and be an integral part of their learning experience.
- Families should feel welcomed and heard as vital partners in their student’s education. Families are student’s first teachers!
- Staff should be recognized for their talents and expertise, included in the decision-making processes, and supported holistically.
- Our community belongs in our schools; celebrating, supporting, and igniting their passion to help ensure every student will have all they need to reach their potential.
Heart of a Volunteer
I volunteer regularly at my children’s schools as a member of their PTSAs, helping support all our students and educators in any way I can. It takes a village to raise a child, and I am committed to offering my time and talents to ensure every child and educator knows they are worthy, valued, and appreciated. I love working with the students and teachers regularly. Being a part of the classroom and school experiences helps me better understand what the students and teachers may need to make this the best learning environment possible.
I am honored to be a part of the largest and oldest child advocacy organization. The role of the PTA has always been to advocate for improvements in children's and youth's lives.
From 2017 to 2020, I was elected to our elementary SBDM (Site Based Decision Making) Council. I was honored to be re-elected for four consecutive terms as a parent representative. I valued this opportunity to be an integral part of the decision-making process at our school. Like the school board, SBDM focuses on school improvement, policies and procedures, budget, and personnel selection. I listened to our families, students, and community. Also, I provided feedback to the council so that each decision we made would consider what worked best for our students and families.
I try to live a life where my children can say they are proud of their mom. I want them to see me as an example of service to the community as an act of love for my fellow neighbors. Mother Teresa reminds us, “I cannot do great things, but I can do small things with great love.”
