I was born and raised in Lake County, Illinois.  I went to Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and graduated with a dual degree in secondary education and mathematics.  I have graduate degrees in Field-Based Teaching and Leadership from Saint Xavier University and Education Technology from Concordia University.

I began teaching math in 1999 at Central Junior High School in Zion, IL.  I taught five years of Pre-Algebra and Algebra Honors in Zion.  In 2004 I made the move to teaching high school and joined the Panthers at Round Lake Senior High School.  I have taught Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Algebra 2 Honors, Geometry Honors, Math 2, Math 2 Prep, Math 2 Support, College Algebra and College Algebra Honors in my time at RLHS.  

When I'm not teaching or planning, I spend time with my family and friends, and I run a small online jewelry business.