I have taught 5th grade for the past 2 years at Cypress and was previously the librarian here for 12 years. I am a credentialed teacher with my degree from LMU and also a Master's Degree as a Reading Specialist. I have over 26 years teaching elementary, including STEAM classes. I live locally with my husband John and our son & daughter. I love to read, go on long walks, go to the beach and watch good movies and teach art.

I was born here in Thousand Oaks. My family moved to Ohio when I was 4, where I lived until I graduated from high school. I returned to California, attended Pepperdine University and graduated with a major in Accounting. I worked for several years as a tax accountant before reentering the world of education. I have a Masters of Arts in Education and a teaching credential from Pepperdine.I also have a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from CSUN. 

This is my 22nd year of teaching, all in CVUSD. Before rejoining the Cypress team this year, I taught at our district's SHINE Homeschool Program and at Aspen Elementary in Thousand Oaks. Before that, I spent the first 13 years of my career at Cypress, and I am excited to be back! I've enjoyed teaching 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. I have had many roles, including working with GATE students, organizing the Talent Show and coordinating the Odyssey of the Mind program. I have also had many leadership roles and worked on many curriculum committees. 

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife, Kirsten, is a fellow educator. She currently works at our district office. We have two daughters, Katilyn (19) and Sophie (16) and son, Owen (11). Sports and other activities and school schedules keep us busy. We enjoy going out to restaurants, movies, the beach, Disneyland and Dodger games.