PROFESSIONAL:

    I am the Literacy Facilitator at DeQueen Elementary School in DeQueen, Arkansas. It is my great pleasure to work with a special group of talented teachers and supportive administrators in this small Southwestern Arkansas community.

    Among other things, my responsibilities include: supporting teacher growth, implementing school improvement strategies, classroom resource development, and finding innovative ways to ensure that Common Core State Standards are being taught effectively in our school. I adopted the mentality of a "CCSS Ninja" a few years ago and made a poster for my desk. It has served to remind me to "battle" the rigor of the Common Core with research-based approaches and collaborative teamwork from everyone at DES.

    Working alongside my friend and confidant, Maribeth Revels, DES Math Facilitator, we have shared many struggles and successes. During the 2012-2013 school year, DeQueen Elementary was one of only three schools in the United States to be nationally recognized as a "Dispelling the Myths" award winner from Education Trust. We proudly represented DeQueen Elementary School in Washington DC to accept the award on behalf of the teachers and students. This was an honor that I will never forget. Arne Duncan, the United States Secretary of Education, shook our hands and told us to keep up the great work. That moment was definitely a professional pinnacle for us all and a reminder to continue this journey with tenacity because ALL kids derserve it.

PERSONAL:

   It's not all work and no play....I've been blessed personally in so many ways. I have two amazing children, Paige and Ben. They bring joy and purpose to my life. We stay busy with their activities and interests.

   I'm also so thankful for parents who stressed the importance of getting a good education continually as I grew up. By example, they enstilled the values of hard work and determination in our home. My goal is to pass these same values on to my own children and the students at DES so that they may accomplish anything, great or small!