What do you teach and why did you become a teacher?

I am a media coordinator. I’ve always loved reading and writing, and I’ve always loved books. Way back when I was a fifth grader, I was a student assistant in the Unionville Elementary School library and I loved everything about it. Years later, when I was a student at Wingate University, I worked part time at the Union County Public Library. Once I graduated with a bachelor's in English, I decided that I wanted to get my master’s in library science. Little did I know I would come back full circle to the place my passion started – the Unionville Elementary School Library.

How do you show your school spirit?

I love dressing up on school spirit days! Tacky day is my favorite! I’m also my students’ biggest fan. I love watching my students perform (whether it's on a stage or field).

What or who inspires you?

Throughout my career, I have had middle school students eat lunch with me in the media center every day because they wanted to talk about books. I have also overheard students tell their friends that media time or library time is their favorite. These students inspire me to make sure the media center is the most welcoming place that has something for everyone.

In which other teacher’s class would you like to enroll for a day? Why?

This is my first year as a staff member at Unionville, so I am just getting to know my fellow teachers, but I would be happy to be in any of their classes. One that really stands out to me is Mrs. Freda’s fourth grade class. Her classroom looks as if one just stepped into a scene from Harry Potter. My daughter got so excited when we visited her room after school one day. She says that she wants to be in her room in fourth grade. “Me too, girl. Me too!”

What is one of your hidden talents?

I do voices and I have a special character, ‘Book Talk Lady’, that I dress up to get my students excited about reading. The kids usually love it. I’m also a writer and before I had kids, I wrote a novel called “Where We Belong: Time Between."

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

I want students to know the true benefits that come from reading. Just 20 minutes a day can help one score in the 90th percentile in EOGs, and it can also reduce stress and improve one’s health and focus.

What is a professional motto or quote that you “work” by?

“Love People, Use Things: Because the Opposite Never Works”

This is actually a book written by The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus. The title is such a simple quote, yet so deep. It is one that I try to live and work by as I am trying to simplify my life and build more meaningful relationships.

What do you enjoy most about working in Union County Public Schools?

I love the strong community of Unionville. Everyone works as a team here and everyone is so helpful and supportive of one another. Also, the fact that the school itself was established in 1885 is so impressive. So many students here are fourth, maybe fifth generation, while others are from out-of-town or out-of-state. All are welcome here and everyone wants to be here, because we all love it so much.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Time travel. There is so much history that I would love to experience first-hand, and find out answers to many questions I have!

List five adjectives that describe your personality?

• Introvert (working on this)!
• Neat freak (ask my husband)
• Creative (I love a good DIY)!
• Patient (see overthinker)...
• Overthinker (this is draft number 129 of this short bio)!