My passion for science began early on with looking through my family's set of World Book Encyclopedias and studying the human body as well as marine life. This interest only grew in High School when I was able to take Anatomy and Physiology, Aquatic Ecology, Marine Biology, and Chemistry that I felt applied to real life and my interests. In looking for colleges, I wanted a school that had a strong science program and small class sizes. My search led me to the University of Redlands. Here I was able to take the classes I wanted with a small student to teacher ratio that allowed for in-depth discussion with professors and hands-on, meaningful activities.
My initial major was declared as Pre-Med. However, after an interim session of "volunteering" with my former high school Anatomy and Physiology teacher, I knew that teaching was where I wanted to be. He allowed me to "student teach" his Physiology classes for a month in preparation for their semester finals, and I was hooked. After graduating from the University of Redlands, with a BS in Biology and minor in math, I went on to pursue my teaching credential through the University of Redlands School of Education. Here I earned a credential to teach Biological Sciences, General Sciences and Math. I then went on to complete a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. My teaching career began with teaching at Wells Intermediate School in Riverside. In the four years I was there I taught 7th Grade Science, 8th Grade Science, and 7th Grade Math. I also coached the volleyball team. In 2003, I made the move to Travis Ranch Middle School. Since then I have taught some combination of 6th Grade Science, 8th Grade Science, 6th Grade Accelerated Math, and Pre-Algebra. I live in Orange with my husband, Brian, and two children, Emma (17) and Holden (15) and our princess pup, Sadie. Both Emma and Holden attended Travis Ranch K-8. Emma is now a Senior at Esperanza. Holden is now a Sophomore at Esperanza. |