• 20-21 TRE TOTY

    Subject(s) taught - 5th Grade  
    Years in profession - 12
    Years in Henry County Schools - 2
    Favorite memory/moment in career - "My favorite memory as a teacher was the trip I took with my 5th graders from Miami, Florida to the 4H Camp at Jekyll Island! Talk about a culture shock! These kids went from being a crew that had to act older than they were to a group of true 10 year olds! From bake sales and car washes to penny wars and door-to-door fundraising, there was nothing that stood in our way to ensure this trip happened! This camp was always extraordinary, but since the renovations, this was an oasis! We were able to get away from the stress, the hustle and bustle of Opa Locka and just enjoy 3 days away, on the coast, doing what kids deserve to do. They were able to just play, be kids, feel safe and learn outside of our school walls! That was a trip I will never forget. I never worked harder outside of my school walls to ensure I could give these 50 kids a moment we would never forget. I hope that memory stays as close to their hearts as it has mine."
    Fun Fact - "I coach a dance squad for elementary students and coach a dance fitness class for adults!"
    Dream vacation - My dream vacation is anywhere tropical where my husband and I can spend a day lounging on a beautiful beach or exploring the history that surrounds us!
    Favorite Book - The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
    Favorite movie - West Side Story
    Favorite food - Tacos!  Anything inside a tortilla is a go for me!
    Favorite color - Georgia Southern Blue!
    Saying you use the most - "I had to poll some students that I have stayed close to for this one. Students, from across the 12 years, named a few phrases they remember. But the one phrase they ALL said was, You’ve got this! So many of them said, You just always made me feel like I was a star! It may not be catchy or cute, but I can’t imagine anything more than encouraging them. Showing them that even after their year or two with me, they will hear me in the back of their head, cheering them on."