I am a busy working mom of two teenage boys; 15 and 17. They are the light of my life – when they aren’t driving me crazy! I have an awesome husband, who doesn’t complain when I travel to far off places in search of knowledge and experience.

I teach in a rural, low-income school in Southern Illinois, and I absolutely love it! I teach Sophomore English, regular and honors; English IV through a local community college; and Acct. I and II.

My husband would tell you that my outside interest is education and learning – I love taking classes, but I have also recently started dabbling in crafts a bit. I love summer when I can hang out at the pool with the boys and my friends and just take it easy.

While high school wasn’t the best time of my life, I have found so much joy in teaching. I started my career as an accountant, earning my BSBA in accounting from St. Louis University, and even though I enjoyed the work, I knew there was something else out there I was meant to do. After I got married, I went back to school to become a teacher.

I taught business classes for the first few years of my teaching career, but was moved to the English department my third year in the classroom. Since I loved English, I went back to school for my masters from Southern Illinois University. It was through my students that I found a passion for Holocaust studies. Wanting to learn more, I first earned a graduate certificate from Seton Hill University and then my masters from Gratz college.

In addition to my studies, I also went through the teacher fellowship program at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and I do volunteer work at CANDLES Museum in Indiana.

An added and unexpected bonus to my studies would be the people I have had the honor of meting and friending along the way. I am excited about this next adventure in my life – TOLI!!