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Professional

I have been a teacher since 1994.  During that time, I have taught 2^nd/3^rd grade, 3^rd grade, 5^th grade, 6^th grade Math/Science, Project Lead The Way, 7th & 8th grade English and am currently teaching 8th grade Math/Science.  Except for the first two years of my teaching career, I have been in ÒõAPPµ¼º½ Valley Union School District.  I earned my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 1998 from San Diego State University.  In 2006, I co-authored a book with a team of math professionals titled Math Language That Works, published by San Diego County Of Education.  I was also a core adjunct professor at National University from 1999 through 2012, instructing prospective teachers and Master's Degree candidates in CLAD Language Arts methods and linguistic courses both on site and online.

Personal

I am married, I have two step-daughters who are wonderful, married and have families of their own, and a son who graduated from Granite Hills High School in 2018 and actually went to our school. My son is now a 911 EMT working his way to becoming a paramedic (should have this by the end of fall) and eventually a paramedic firefighter (if you know the process and have hints to help him achieve his goal, let me know). When I was younger (in my 20s) I used to fly small Cessna aircraft (150s, 172s, 210) which explains my room environment when you come in to visit.  I also enjoy mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and basically anything outdoors.  I have a young Cane Corso named Jolene.  

Heroes

I have two heroes that I would like to share.  One hero is actually a group, The Tuskegee Airmen.  The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of men who, through their own patriotic drive, bravery, and intelligence, surpassed all odds thrown against them to become THE most successful group of fighter pilots only to face the same bigotry when they returned home after World War II.

My second hero is Captain Harley H. Hall.  Captain Hall was the last fighter pilot to be shot down and captured during the Vietnam War.  Currently there are two stories about Captain Hall.  One suggests that he has been recovered and should no longer be listed as a POW/MIA, where another maintains his status as POW/MIA.  For further information about either of these two heroes please see the related websites.