I fell in love with Spanish language and culture as a high school exchange student to Machala, Ecuador, South America. I was 17 years old and eager to learn all about the culture and language. It fascinated me! Upon my return, I knew I had to share all this knowledge with as many people as possible. After study at Alma College, another study abroad year in Quito, Ecuador, and study at the University of Michigan, I have taught all levels of middle and high school Spanish, finding my passion at the mid-high level classes of Spanish 3, 4, and AP. I've graded and read for the College Board as an AP Spanish Examination Reader and have worked with many national and international scholarship organizations helping prepare applicants and select nominees for awards.
On a more personal side, I live in the small community of Dexter, MI, with my husband and daughter. We have a dog, Fergus who is a friendly shih-tzu/pomeranian mix. I am happy when I am on or near open water, whether in a kayak on the Huron River, hiking to hidden waterfalls in Michigan and throughout the world, or boating on our many lakes.
As a "yooper" (raised most of my childhood in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan), I claim to be a true "cheesehead" as an avid Green Bay Packer fan - Go, Pack, Go! I love watching football, so you will often find me in the stands at our Eagle games, supporting our boys on the gridiron.
My biggest passion of all is TRAVEL! I have traveled with my family to many destinations, our favorites by far being Costa Rica, Bali and Ireland (with Southern France, England and China coming in a very close second). I also enjoy taking students to travel, some for the first time! Students have enjoyed tours in Spain, the Yucatan of Mexico, and London/Paris/Madrid. THIS SUMMER (2014), we are going to experience Pura Vida as Skyline Spanish and AP Bio students hit the road to Costa Rica!!! I CAN'T WAIT to share Costa Rica with you all!!!!!!
On a more personal side, I live in the small community of Dexter, MI, with my husband and daughter. We have a dog, Fergus who is a friendly shih-tzu/pomeranian mix. I am happy when I am on or near open water, whether in a kayak on the Huron River, hiking to hidden waterfalls in Michigan and throughout the world, or boating on our many lakes.
As a "yooper" (raised most of my childhood in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan), I claim to be a true "cheesehead" as an avid Green Bay Packer fan - Go, Pack, Go! I love watching football, so you will often find me in the stands at our Eagle games, supporting our boys on the gridiron.
My biggest passion of all is TRAVEL! I have traveled with my family to many destinations, our favorites by far being Costa Rica, Bali and Ireland (with Southern France, England and China coming in a very close second). I also enjoy taking students to travel, some for the first time! Students have enjoyed tours in Spain, the Yucatan of Mexico, and London/Paris/Madrid. THIS SUMMER (2014), we are going to experience Pura Vida as Skyline Spanish and AP Bio students hit the road to Costa Rica!!! I CAN'T WAIT to share Costa Rica with you all!!!!!!