P.E.A.R.L.

Hello, as I write my little bio I am just so inspired and thrilled to have been given the opportunity to become part of the PEARL team. I have aspired to be a teacher ever since I was old enough to play make believe with my friends. Setting up my own little classrooms in my bedroom, chalkboard and all. (remember those :) Throughout my own personal educational journey in elementary school, middle school, and high school this was my focus. I did my Senior Project working in a Kindergarten classroom where I mentored a teacher and got to assist her in whatever realm I could. I also mentored elementary age students during that time. Upon graduation from Rogers High School in Puyallup, I started on my prerequisites at Pierce Community College while working as a preschool teacher at Kindercare in Bonney Lake. Life had other plans, however, and due to some circumstances in my own life, I had to change direction and became a dental assistant. 

I worked as a dental assistant for 17 years but I never lost my passion for teaching. I would volunteer in my children’s classrooms, tutor, nannied, and taught Sunday school at my church. I led 6 mission trips, three to Guatemala and three to Romania, where we worked with children and young adults from the local orphanages and rural towns. Anything I could do to stay in an educational realm and work with students. It is absolutely my passion! I love watching students come alive as they grow confidence in their abilities and knowledge. 

Life came back around and presented me with the opportunity to work in a school setting as a paraeducator in the Central Kitsap School District in Bremerton, WA where I worked for the past eight years. I served as the Native American Liaison as well and led after school tutor clubs. 

My husband and I now live in Brinnon, Washington and I am truly looking forward to this new adventure in education. We have four children and one son-in-law, not including our four legged child, Jack. I love reading, writing, hiking, paddle boarding, and traveling. I would live outdoors if I could, for no matter how much time I spend out there, it never seems like enough. 

I look forward to connecting with our PEARL families!