I was born in Oak Park, IL and lived in River Forest until I was 8 years old. My family then moved to Arlington Heights where I spent the rest of my childhood. As a kid I was a tomboy and very athletic. My mother wanted me to dance (she was a ballet dancer) and signed me up for ballet and tap. Well, when I went to my dance lessons, I noticed that there were acrobatic classes going on next door. That was it! I told my mom I wasn't interested in ballet, I wanted to do gymnastics! So I started gymnastics classes at the YMCA and participated in track and field as well. Long jump and the 50 yard dash were my favorites. If anyone wanted to find me while I was growing up, I was outside doing back handsprings or riding my bike. We had a cottage we rented for the summers and water-skiing was my passion. I loved nothing more than the feeling of the water spraying in my face and the challenge of staying afloat when an enormous wave was in my path. My dad always tried to dump me, but I almost always stayed up!! I still enjoy water-skiing and am proud of the fact that this grandma can still jump the wake!
In middle school, or Jr. High as it was called back in the olden days:) in addition to athletics, I became interested in music. I was in the chorus, and the band. I played the clarinet and loved to practice my instrument.I used to give concerts to anyone who would listen. Although my family will tell you that I can't sing (and they are probably right), I still love to sing along to my favorite songs when no one is around. Honestly, I sound pretty good to myself. I have music playing whenever possible. It helps me think and gets my creative juices flowing. I really developed a passion for music when I was in the high school band. Our school band was excellent and we were lucky enough to have Doc Severinsen (from Johnny Carson's Tonight Show) and Arthur Fielder (Boston Pops) come as guest conductors. The highlight of my band experience came when the marching band went to Florida and played in front of Snow White's Castle in Disney World. I also liked to draw when I was younger and can draw most anything from a picture. The students know that I love using visuals and music in my teaching. I think it makes learning more fun.
I graduated high school in 3 1/2 years, went to Illinois State University and majored in Recreation and Park Administration. I continued my passion for gymnastics and joined Gamma Phi Circus which is a club that incorporates circus acts along with gymnastics. We were a bunch of kids with athletic talent and energy who just loved preforming shows throughout the state for children. During college, I worked at the Peoria YMCA as a day camp counselor and developed a preschool gymnastics program. I also worked with an underprivileged youth group and mentally ill adults using athletics and hobbies to help people reach their full potential. I loved working with all kinds of people and I loved Dave, my college sweetheart! (Aaaah)
My husband Dave and I married in 1982 and lived in Bellingham, Washington. Dave worked for Mobil Oil at the time and we were transferred three times in four years and had two children! We settled in Naperville in 1985 and lived there for 22 years. We have a daughter Kristina who is 33 and a son Dan who is 31. Both my children attended District 204 schools from kindergarten through high school. Dan and Kristina are both Neuqua Valley graduates. While the children were young I was a stay -at-home mom. During that time, I went back to school and took early childhood classes, taught preschool for 5 years and worked for the Naperville Park District. As the kids got bigger, I began to substitute for District 204. I was a substitute in the district for 9 years while my kids were growing up. In fact, I was a regular sub at May Watts! Finally, I went back to school and got my Master's of Education from the University of St. Francis. Luckily, I was hired at May Watts and this is my 12th year teaching third grade.
We now live in Oswego. My son Dan lives in Buffalo Grove with his wife Kristin and my daughter Kristina lives in Iowa with my two fabulous grandsons, Cooper and Jace.
Well, now you know my story and my path leading up to teaching your children. It's been a marvelous journey so far and I'm looking forward to continuing along the road, learning, growing and enjoying all life has to offer.
Now here's the facts...
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: I don't have just one, but I love sushi, guacamole, anything chocolate and Lou Malnati's pizza.
Favorite TV Show: I think my favorite show is the Blacklist, but I also enjoy Masterchef, Dancing with the Stars, Survivor, and Grey's Anatomy.
Favorite Book: Too many great ones to pick from, but some I love are Because of Winn Dixie, The Giving Tree, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Thirty- Two Third Graders and a Class Bunny and anything by Chris Van Allsburg
Things I Love: My family, smiles, reading, going out to dinner, random acts of kindness, fall days, Beanie Babies and kids
Things I Hate: Beets, mean-spiritedness, pets dying, snakes, flies, mosquitoes and unhappy children.
Oh my gosh--- I think I might have used up all my words :)
