What is your role at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School?
Resource Teacher
What year did you start working at St. Stephen?
2024
Tell us about your educational background & about your teaching/work experience.
I have 14 years of experience as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, department head of Special Education, and interventionist. I have worked in public and private schools and have been a contracted employee over the years. Along with my education, I have many certifications and training hours to provide services to my students.
What do you love about your job?
I love providing services to make school not as scary to students who struggle. Watching students build up their confidence, advocacy, and academic success makes me love my job. I also love the problem-solving aspect that comes with each individual student. Making sure students have what they need to meet goals and thrive in their classroom is the most important part of my job.
Who is your favorite Saint or what is your favorite scripture?
Joshua 24:15 “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Tell us about your family (spouse, children, grandchildren, pets, etc.):
My husband of 11 years, Jacob, holds our family together with strength and wisdom. I explain our relationship as, I keep him fun and he keeps me alive. I am adventurous and daring. I love adventure rides, cliff jumping, and trying new things, while Jacob takes my picture. My daughter, Olivia, is a student at St. Stephens and she is my rule-following organized child. She has never lost a water bottle or lunchbox. My son, Lincoln, is starting at St. Stephens this year and he is my spontaneous vociferous child. He loves life to the fullest. We have one pet, Sprinkles, who is Lincoln’s bearded dragon. As a family, we love to hike all over and hike mountains in Colorado. We travel a lot to visit friends and family. We are always on big or small adventures.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a teacher. Maybe because I love to help those in need or maybe because I love to be in charge. I would help my siblings and other kids in our neighborhood with their homework from school. Playing school was a regular and I was always the teacher. I even gave out homework. I tutored peers in high school, trained in work environments, and eventually entered the college of education. I never stop learning with personal development and registering for any new training that will benefit my students.
What is your favorite sweet treat?
I LOVE cherry ICEE! Sour candy (smog balls are the sourest so far). Tajin gummy candy.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
I enjoy making old things new. Taking old furniture or vases and giving them new life with stain and paint. We like going to garage sales and Goodwill looking for little treasures we can fix up and sell or keep.
What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends?
Spending time with my family is my favorite. We love to find new adventures. I also enjoy hanging out with friends and neighbors. I enjoy being around people. Shopping for new and old things. Trying new foods and restaurants.
What piece of advice would you give parents to help their child(ren) succeed at St. Stephen?
Give your children, yourself, and teachers grace. Grace to have good and bad feelings. Grace to succeed and fail. Take a step back when things get to be too much and focus on the things that you love as a family. There will always be school, classes, teachers, and tutors. You only get this one moment with your children, use it wisely.
