I was born and raised in Florence, Alabama. I am a product of the Florence City Schools system. I attended Gilbert Elementary, Appleby Junior High, and Coffee High School. I am a 1989 graduate of Birmingham-Southern College. After graduation, I taught kindergarten at McAdory School in the Jefferson County school system for 3 years. In 1992, my husband and I decided to return to my hometown to work and raise our family. I began teaching 2nd grade at Forest Hills Elementary in 1992. I taught 2nd grade for 18 years. I am now the ARI Local Reading Specialist. My job is support teachers in their reading instruction through coaching and professional development.