I am a graduate of Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. I have been a first grade teacher atDutch Fork Elementary School for twelve years. I was a first grade teacher for twelve years in Lexington School District Two prior to teaching at Dutch Fork Elementary School. I received a Master’s of Education degree from Cambridge College in 1998. I was a four-year participant in the South Carolina Reading Initiative (SCRI) of which I received coursework and training on how children learn and grow as readers and writers. I have been married for 18 years and have two wonderful sons. I enjoy learning, teaching, reading children’s literature, traveling, bargain shopping, and spending quality time with my family.