Rock Island, Illinois is my hometown. From the age of seven and beyond college, I participated in a local drill team, The Metropolitan Youth Program also known as Metro.  Metro is an organization that provides positive roll models, educational support and a constructive social time among youth, teenagers and adults of all ages.  Before leaving Metro, I was the drill captain of over fifty teenage girls.  I moved to Bloomington, Illinois in 2000 and began teaching at Sheridan Elementary.  I was the School Improvement Teacher for grades K-5.  The focus of the school improvement program was character education.  A year later, I transferred to Stevenson Elementary as a fourth grade teacher.  I love teaching fourth grade.  It's a transition grade and I enjoy the task of helping my students become prepared for a more independent role, which will help prepare them for their future academic career. 

    I went to Rock Island High School.  During my junior year in high school, I applied for a four year teaching scholarship through the Golden Apple Foundation. Out of hundreds of applicants,  I was one of sixty high school students chosen.  In 1994 I began my college studies at Western Illinois University as an Elementary Education major with a concentration in Language Arts.  While attending WIU, I became a member of Sigma Lambda Sigma, which is a service sorority.  We donated our time and efforts to worthy causes in the community.  For one year, I held the position as publicity chair.  I graduated from WIU in 1998 with the hope and ambition to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. 

    Since my move to Bloomington in the summer of 2000 as a District 87 teacher, I have gotten to know some amazing teachers, developed new friendships and continued to pursue my educational goals.  I have received my English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching certificate and attend classes at Illinois State University as a graduate student.  I'm currently attending American College of Education (an online program).  I graduate December 23, 2009 with my Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. The following year I will finish my second Master's with a degree in Educational Leadership, along with my Type 75 Administrative Certificate. At the moment, it's tough work, but I've learned so much.

 *****Family*****

    I have one son named Sean-Anthony, who was born on December 22, 2005 (my Christmas baby).   We actually came home on Christmas day.  It's amazing how much one individual can change your life and make you appreciate the importance of family and the small things that life has to offer. Sean-Anthony is my blessing from God,which couldn't be more evident than the every day things he does and the Sundays that we spend at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church.