What do you teach? I am part of a wonderful team of 3rd grade teachers. 

What is your educational background?  I received my  BA degree from Marshall University specializing in  grades K-8. I have some graduate hours as well. Before  coming to PCA, I homeschooled my 5 children for 15 years. My husband and I were co- founders of the support group Legacy, established to be a support system and co-op for homeschooling parents. That organization is still going strong many years later. 

How many years have you taught? This is my 34th year of teaching. Nineteen  of those years have been spent at this sweet school. I taught 4th grade for many years before moving into 3rd grade. 

What do you love most about PCA? Some of my favorite things about PCA are how relationships are built with families and students. I don't look at this as just a job. It truly is a ministry.  It is so exciting to watch former students grow up into fine young men and women that have a heart for the Lord. It's  a hard thing to let students go at the end of the year, but so thrilling to see them come back to visit. Recently, I had a student who is graduating this year from PCA invite me to come visit her at college next year.  When one teaches, those footprints are forever on your heart. Another aspect I love about PCA is the close community I enjoy with my peers. Some of my dearest and best friends work with me.

Who is someone that you really admire?  Someone I truly admire was my 4th grade  mentoring co-teacher, Janet Gresh.  Janet was always there for me offering me pearls of wisdom for inside and outside of the classroom. She was a true encourager and friend through thick and thin. She was not only  interested  in me, but my family as well.  As a result, she has given me the tools and passion to  emulate mentoring for younger teachers. My professional life at PCA has been truly marked by her life well lived. 

You might not know this about me...  Not only was I a fairly athletic person growing up, but  I was also very competitive. I was so competitive that in college, I won $50  dollars for staying on a mechanical  bull longer than  anyone else that entered the contest.  Another fact is I now have 10 grandkids. 

What takes a long time, but is totally worth it? The thing I would say that takes a long time, requires a great amount of effort , but is totally worth it is raising well rounded children. Children need boundaries, but also need the room to make their own  mistakes--that's how they learn, This in turn will help them be independent, responsible, strong adults.