Hello, welcome to a wonderful year in first grade.  I am so excited to be a part of the Deer Creek Elementary family.  It is truly a joy to be part of such an exceptional school.  We moved into a house in Deer Creek last year, and my children began attending school here in the district.  I missed being a part of the same schools my children attended, and I was so impressed with Deer Creek Elementary that I decided to “make the move”.  I know this will be an outstanding year for both your children and me!  

 I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, and I have spent the last nine years working in the Edmond Public Schools.  I have taught first grade and, most recently, pre-k, and I am delighted to be back teaching first grade again. 

Teaching young children is such an amazing gift.  There is nothing like watching children grow, witnessing those “Ah-Hah!” moments, and celebrating each child’s individual accomplishments throughout the course of the year.  I want my students to have a passion for learning.  I have implemented instructional strategies that will focus on educating the “whole child” – including cognitive development, social skills, and character development.  My mission is to provide children a safe and secure environment where the foundation for life-long learning begins and where children feel nurtured, respected, and valued as they build the skills to become independent learners.     

My husband Keith (who was my high school sweetheart) is a Database Administrator for OGE Energy Corp.   We are blessed with two incredible children, Melissa and Cameron.  Melissa is now a sophomore at Deer Creek High School and Cameron will be in fifth grade here at Deer Creek Elementary.   We also have a little Boston terrier named Princess.

 My free time is spent with family and friends.  We attend Bethany First Nazarene Church, and I love helping out with the children’s ministries.  I also enjoy reading, shopping, playing tennis (I’m still a novice) and traveling with my family. 

 I am looking forward to an amazing year with all of our Deer Creek students and families!