I decided to become a teacher at the ripe old age of eight. My third-grade teacher was such an inspiration that I decided to pursue a career that would enrich, challenge, and forever change my life. I attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, graduated with a BA in Elementary Education, and spent the next four years teaching first graders in Wyoming and South Dakota. Shortly after getting married, my husband and I moved to New Mexico where I earned an MA in Special Education with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. I taught Special Education in Santa Fe, NM, and later, after moving to Anchorage, taught Special Education at Government Hill, Bear Valley, Bowman, and Kasuun. The last years of my career were spent teaching third- through sixth-grade students at Kasuun and Northern Lights ABC.

Many gifted educators "unofficially" mentored me during my journey as a teacher. I'm honored to continue this tradition in an official capacity by encouraging and supporting early classroom teachers as an ASD UGO mentor. My intent is that I can help these teachers effectively use their skills to make a marked difference in the lives of Alaska's children.