Biography
I grew up in a very small village in upstate New York. In fact, I was closer to Canada than New York City. I am the eldest of 5 children, hence my need to be in charge. All my siblings still live in that area and 3 of them are within a few minutes of my mother.
After I graduated from high school I attended the State University of New York at Oswego where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Years later I earned my Masters of Arts in Education degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. In 2006 I earned my Educational Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.
My first teaching job was at the school I attended as a child. While there I taught 2nd grade. By the end of that year the local iron ore mine closed, many people left the area and, I was RIFd (Reduction in Force) and looking for a new position.
I then moved to the Navajo Reservation, just east of Page, Arizona. I taught there for almost 10 years. While there I taught almost every grade, from Pre-1st to 8th grade. I even taught GED in the evenings to my students' parents.
Our family moved the 36 miles in to town, where I joined the staff with the Page School District. I taught 5th grade there for and then moved into administration. I was a Staff Developer and Curriculum Director at the district level and later a building principal. While in Page I was also a member of the faculty for Coconino Community College where I taught history and education courses.
I have been the principal at Falcon Hill since June of 2005 and love every minute of it. I am so privileged to work with such a talented and dedicated staff. It has been a joy to get to know our students and their families. Our students are a credit to the strong families from which they come. Our parents are willing partners in their children's education and are eager to help out when we need.
I am the mother of 3 wonderful children (Derrick, Tricia, and Jenna) and 1 adorable granddaughter (Jaidyn). Derrick and his family live in the area and as a result, I get to see them often. Tricia and her husband are both members of the United States Army. I'm very proud of both of them for their service and commitment to our country. While Jenna is in college, she and Jaidyn are staying with me. I consider it a blessing and count my lucky stars that I get to be so involved in Jaidyn's life and to have Jenna so close.