I received my Bachelor’s of Science with a Biology major and Physics minor from Graceland University. While at Graceland I was involved in the Graceland Student Education Association, the Graceland Student Government, the L.E.A.D. Program and played on the Women’s Volleyball Team.

Upon the completion of my student teaching experience at East Leyden High School, I was offered a position in the Leyden High Schools District 212 Science Department. I am currently teaching core level Biology and Sheltered Physical Science at East Leyden. During my four years at Leyden, I have taught core level Physical Science, Sheltered Physical Science, core level Biology, and Conceptual Physics. My colleagues and I have worked persistently on curriculum development and technology incorporation in the courses I teach.

In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I coach the Girls’ and Boys’ Volleyball teams and I am the sponsor of the Leyden Leos. The Leyden Leos is a youth service organization affiliated with the Schiller Park Lions of the International Lions Club.

In the CTER program through the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, I am working on my Master’s Degree. Through my work in the CTER program, I have been able to develop technology-based activities for my classes as well as evaluate the current technology use of my district. You can view a collection of the work that I have done in this program by clicking the CTER button above.

Although much of my time is dedicated to schoolwork, I enjoy using my free time to travel. My Spanish studies eventually led me on a trip to the Yucatan peninsula for some course work. While getting my undergrad, I was able to take marine biology, island botany, oceanography, and geology courses through travel courses in the Cayman Islands, the San Juan Islands and the Hawaiian Islands. After graduating from Graceland, I had the opportunity to travel through Europe for the summer, which was certainly not long enough to see everything on my wish list. Upon the completion of the CTER program, I hope to get back into my travel habits and put a few more stamps in my passport!