Although I was born in Wisconsin, I was raised all over the southeast United States. By the time I went to college, I had lived in 5 states (mainly Alabama and North Carolina) and had been in 8 schools. I received my BA in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Tarheels!) in 1988. By that time I had decided to become a teacher. I promptly moved to San Francisco (just in time for the 1989 earthquake), then to Sonoma County in 1990. I received my teaching credential in 1994 from Sonoma State University. After a few years of subbing and being a new mom, I began teaching in 1997. My first year in the Bellevue District was the 1999-2000 school year. I have taught every grade from 2nd to 6th, but 3rd is my absolute favorite! My favorite things to do when I have time are read, backpack, hike, and make jewelry. I love live music, dancing, and chocolate! I speak a lot of Spanish, but not fluently, even though I have been studying it for 18 years. Someday I hope to be bilingual. I am very proud of my 2 children, Jeramiah (who IS bilingual) and Stella. The students will have many opportunities to get to know the two of them when they come in to help in the class. I have 2 big dogs, a cat, and a beautiful corn snake named Ruby. The students will meet her this year and she will possibly become our permanent class pet. MOST of us are excited about that.