Hello to the entire Trailside Community and thank you for the warmest welcome! I taught 5th grade for the past 4 years and this is my first year teaching at Trailside. I'm so excited to start my second year at Trailside!  

I am new to Virginia-- only 5 years but truly love the friendly people, great restaurants, recreational choices, and the sunshine!   Pittsburgh will always be my home! My love for sports is probably due to growing up with the Proud to be from Pittsburgh attitude.  I met my husband in the 11th grade--celebrating a marriage of 36 years 3 children and 2 grandchildren and another due in December are only a part of our blessings.  I attended Robert Morris University and began an accounting career for a few years before realizing my true passion is teaching.  I attended Slippery Rock University and Ashland University to earn my teaching certification and added middle school endorsements in Language Arts and Science.  I taught kindergarten through 6th grade, gifted classes, and reading recovery.  Every grade I taught became my favorite!  This year will be my 23rd year teaching.  

My philosophy in the classroom has always been relationships first, learning second.  I love learning about my students and watching them take risks in the classroom, stretch their comfort zones, and realize it's okay to make mistakes.  Teaching Science all day sounds like the most perfect day--everyday will be filled with wonder, discovery, and questions!  Science inquiry is my passion and I am determined to push this passion to all students.  My wish is that all my students will adopt my love for science and always wondering WHY!  I am looking forward to inspiring all my students to find the hidden scientist that is inside each and every one of us!  

Outside of the classroom, I am an active athlete.  I swim everyday, ride my bike, play basketball, volleyball, and newly discovered pickleball.  I am a high-school basketball official with lots of coaching experiences. I am always up for any competition!  

The Trailside Middle School family has opened their hearts to me and I truly hope this is my 'forever home'.