Hello Hawk family,

My education includes a bachelor's degree in business administration from Washington State University, where I served as Chief Justice of the WSU Judicial Committee. I received a master's degree in teaching from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. I also hold an administrative certification from Lewis and Clark College in Portland and earned my Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University in 2021.

My professional experience includes being a jeweler for over 20 years, management of a Fortune 500 company, and business ownership. I came into the educational profession as a football coach and then as a mathematics teacher at the high school level. In 2010, we moved to Arizona and started with Chandler Unified as a junior high math teacher and coach.

In 2013, I became the Dean of Students and Athletic Director in Chandler. I came to FUSD in 2015 and started as an assistant principal at Poston Butte High School. In 2016, I moved to San Tan Heights as an assistant principal and athletic director after the FUSD consolidation with Coolidge.

As an educator, I believe in providing kids with the most exceptional educational experience possible. For this reason, the "Kids First" motto of FUSD appeals to my sense of why I am in education. I believe it is my job to support teachers and provide them with all the tools, training, and guidance required to create a dynamic learning environment for every child. Lastly, I believe that the most critical aspect of education among the three rigor, relevance, and relationships is the relationships. Building a safe learning community, one where children are not afraid to make a mistake, and one that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving is essential to achieving academic excellence.

Hello Hawks,

I earned a bachelor’s in history from the University of Iowa in 1993.  The phrase “Go, Hawks!” is a beloved and familiar one for me. I went on to teach preschool and to Assistant Direct a child care center.  Wishing to continue my work with children and families, but in a more impactful way, I began my work as a Children’s Library Assistant, at the Coralville Public Library in Coralville, Iowa, where I also served as Editor of the quarterly, Coralville Connection.  This work allowed me to engage in work with children aged from birth to young adult, families, child care and early learning centers, including those serving special-needs children and their families.

Upon relocating to Arizona in December 2001, I served as the Children’s Librarian in Casa Grande, AZ at the public library before pursuing my Birth – 3^rd and K-8 teaching credentials through Rio Salado College in Phoenix, Arizona. I received my master’s in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University in May 2014. I am proud to call FUSD my home for the past 15 years, serving as a primary teacher and triage teacher at Copper Basin K-8, instructional coach (at Skyline Ranch K-8) and I join the Hawk family from Copper Basin K-8, where I have served as their assistant principal for the past 5 years.

It is a passion of mine to ensure all students have equitable access to education.  Building relationships, while serving diverse communities and focusing on responsive practices for student and staff development, social-emotional growth and achievement are my passions.  A quote from the scholar Hillel the Elder, “If not us, who? If not now, when?” holds great meaning for me, and is my approach in my service to the district.

I look forward to meeting each and every Hawk as we embark upon this most unique journey, and, Go Hawks!

Hello Hawks,

I began my career in education in 2004 as a Teacher’s Assistant at Noah’s Ark Preschool and Kindergarten in Mesa, Arizona, where I later took a pre-k teaching position.  In 2008, I took over as owner and director of a small preschool facility in Gilbert.  It was this experience that prompted me to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.  In 2013, I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University and began working for the Florence Unified School District as a teacher.  Alongside teaching, I wore many hats, including club sponsor, team lead, coach and, more formally, a Mentor Teacher.  As a former preschool director, I knew my heart lied in educational leadership and I desired a role in education where my impact could have a further reach.  I began my Masters’ in Educational Leadership and graduated from Northern Arizona University in May 2020. 

I believe as educators we are responsible for providing ALL students with a quality education where school culture alongside mastery of instruction create a stimulating intellectual environment for students to grow and attain goals.  As a leader, I acknowledge my role in fostering and encouraging positive school culture through community relationships.  I have dedicated myself to being a lifelong learner and will strive to instill this same value in all of our students at San Tan Heights K8.  I look forward to a very rewarding school year! 

Hello Hawks,

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Utah University.  I earned my master’s degree from Northern Arizona University.  I began my teaching career in 1984 in Tuba City, AZ.  I spent 18 years there and taught a variety of grade levels.  In 2002, my family and I moved to Mesa, and I spent the next 11 years teaching for Chandler Unified School District.  I left teaching for what I thought was my dream job.  In 2013, I became the Director of Professional Development for Spalding Education.  I traveled throughout the United States consulting with schools and conducting professional development. But I really missed the direct involvement with kids, so in 2018, I decided to come back to teaching.  I chose San Tan Heights because I knew it was a GREAT school!  I taught second grade for one year and then moved into the instructional coach position.

I truly believe all kids can learn!  The students today are the leaders of our future.  I teach because I want to affect students’ lives for good.  I want to impact the future in a positive way.  My favorite quote is from Nelson Mandela.  He says, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”  I am an educator because I want to make the world better.  I am looking forward to a challenging but exciting year.  Go Hawks!