I was blessed to grow up with a grandfather who was an educator and an elementary school principal.  He was such an important role model to me that I always knew I was going to be a teacher and wanted to be just like him!  I have been teaching for 21 years.  19 of those years have been here at St Stephens and I am proud to call St Stephens my home.  I started my career at St Stephens at the old school in 1998 and was fortunate to move into the new school.  I started out teaching first grade, moved to second grade, and then settled into kindergarten where I stayed for 13 years.  I moved up to first grade in 2009 and was a first grade teacher for 5 years.  It was during this time that I made the decision to go back to school and get my Masters Degree.  I knew I wanted to stay in education, but I wanted to give myself options for the remainder of my teaching career.  In the fall of 2012, I enrolled in the educational media/instructional technology program at Appalachian State as a graduate student.  While I was finishing my degree I moved to an interventionist position using the Chromebooks as an enrichment opportunity for the students in K-6 and absolutely loved it.  This year I have moved once again and am now a part of the PEMA team offering technology to all students at St Stephens Elementary. After my year in PEMA, I returned to the classroom this time in second grade - a first for me!  I have now returned to first grade my true love and am enjoying every minute of it and I look forward to what my future holds here at St Stephens and the remainder of my teaching career!