1. What made you decide to be a teacher/work in education?

Both my parents were teachers and I knew that I wanted to work with kids and in education for a long time. After a brief stint in the Ski industry I worked with "at risk" kids in a residential wilderness setting. It was this experience that showed me how we can positively impact students that cemented my decision to work with kids and in education.

2. Where did you graduate from/what has brought you to this point?

I graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids Michigan with a BA in English and a minor in Philosophy. My Graduate degree in Educational Leadership is from Adams State College.

3. How many years have you been teaching/working in education?

I have been working with kids since 1993. I worked in North Carolina for 2 years before moving to Eagle County in 1995. I began my career here as a Teacher Assistant working with at risk students. I worked as a permanent substitute teacher and a director of an at-risk program both for Eagle Valley Middle School. I taught 8th grade math for a number of years before becoming an Assistant Principal for both Avon and Edwards Elementary. I have been principal for GES since the 2004-2005 school year.

4. What do you like most about teaching/working in education?

I think the most rewarding part of working with students is the opportunity to make a difference. Seeing "the light come on" for children makes it all worthwhile.

5. Anything else you would like the GES school community to know about you.

I am an Eagle Scout. I enjoy most things outdoors including hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, and snowboarding. I am married and have 2 children and a stepson. Kailyn is currently a first grader here at GES.