Why did you move here?
My brothers, sister-in-law, and their kids live near here. I have a lot of family all over Texas, but Texas is a pretty big state. So even though you’re in Texas, doesn’t mean you’re close, so that’s kind of how it happened.
Why did you become a teacher?
I had some really great inspirational teachers, especially in my high school. My junior and senior English teacher was awesome. I really liked her and she would push me. But I would say that the coaches and the teachers that were in my life made such a difference for me. My house wasn’t always an amazing place to be, and it’s busy and chaotic. And school was that stable place for me a lot of the time, so I really enjoyed it. Just some outstanding people that made me want to help other students in the same way that I was helped.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to your high school self?
Quit caring so much about what people think. Honestly, you spend so much time in high school, trying to fit in and caring what other people think. It just doesn’t matter. The sooner you realize that, the freer you come away from that, the more you are yourself, the more people want to be around you. I was involved in a lot of things. But I think there was always that concern that you’re not fitting in, you’re not wearing the right things, you’re not saying the right things. Stop caring so much about that.
What are you looking forward to this year?
I think just getting to know this place, getting to know Dominion, and being part of the community here, I think that’s exciting, but then also being able to be with my family. So when I leave here, I get to go hang out with my nephews, and they’re teenagers, so teaching them to drive cars and play guitars and hang out with them is a lot of fun.
What would someone find you doing on the weekend?
I’m going to a rock climbing gym, because I did a lot of rock climbing and I worked part time at a rock climbing gym where I used to live. I like to kayak and fish. I’m a very outdoorsy person, so I love hiking, hanging out with my dogs and doing stuff like that. I’ll be playing video games, too. I’m equally a nerd and jock.
How long have you been teaching?
17 years. My first year teaching was in 2007. And then I’ve been teaching and coaching ever since then. And so this is my 18th year… For one year, I did ESL in sixth, seventh and eighth grade at two different middle schools. But other than that, I’ve been in high school.… In the past, I’ve coached volleyball and softball primarily.
Did you play volleyball and softball?
I was playing college softball, so that’s why I went to Northwestern. Northwestern is Division 2.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up all over Texas in the Houston area and then up in the Texas panhandle. I graduated high school up there in Pampa, Texas, and then that’s where I spent my before college time. I went to college in Kansas and Oklahoma, and then went back to Texas to teach. So I’ve been teaching in Texas for the last 17 years, and then I came here.
What college did you attend and what degree did you receive?
I graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, and I have a bachelor’s of arts in English literature and a bachelor of science and sports exercise science.
What classes are you teaching this year?
I have 10 honors, and then I have a junior and senior class that I’m teaching, a daily class.
