Curley Girl

I spent my first ten years teaching special education, first in a self-contained MiMH class, then as a Learning Disabilities resource teacher. During this time, I also taught as an adjunct instructor in the education dept. at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. For the next twenty two years, I taught third, fourth, and fifth grades. I've spent the past nine years as a writing teacher in 2nd, 5th, and 6th grade.

In my classroom I try to build a community of learners where everyone feels free to contribute. We use shared experiences like enjoying good literature, playing games, putting on plays, and sharing ideas to feel like a team. We work with partners, in small groups, individually, and as a whole class. Since we all remember better what we enjoy, we try to keep our learning active and fun. And we always work on making good choices because, "Destiny is not a matter of chance. It is a matter of CHOICE."* *William Jennings Bryan

1997 Vigo County Excellence in Education Award 2012 Horace Mann Abraham Lincoln Fellowship 2014 Vigo County Excellence in Education Award 2016 Lilly Foundation Teacher Creativity Grant 2023 Vigo County Excellence in Education Award

I earned my B.A. in special education at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. I then received my M.A. at Indiana State University, also in special education. I did additional coursework and earned my elementary education certification at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. Since then I have continued my education through multiple graduate classes and seminars.

I grew up in Gary, Indiana, the youngest of nine children. I taught in Vigo County, Indiana from 1984 - 2023 in various roles and grade levels. I live on a farm with my husband, Bob. We have three daughters: Elizabeth who is a CPA in Indianapolis, Colleen who is a 6th grade language arts teacher, and Mary who is a hospital pharmacist in Indianapolis. I enjoy riding my bike, watching birds, playing my flute in the Terre Haute Community Band, attending local high school and college sporting events with my family, and feeding people.