I grew up in Portland, TN as the daughter of an amazing educator and High School principal. I had no desire to be a teacher in my teens, so in 1998, I obtained a degree in Social Work from UTM and began my career. Six years later, I changed my mind, and I earned a degree in Exceptional Education from WKU. I began teaching math at the middle school level and am now in my 17th year of education. In 2007, I received a degree in Instructional Leadership from TTU, and in 2010, I received a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction/Special Education from TSU. I spent almost a decade teaching at the university level, but I am now back in the heart of education and am in my fourth year with CMCSS. I love being back, and I'm so excited to be a part of CMCSS K-12 Virtual. I hope to use my skills to help students advocate for themselves and become lifelong learners. Remember, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." ~Nelson Mandela