I am currently the Digital Innovation Specialist at ESC Region 12 in Waco, Texas. Before working at the center, I taught Gifted and Talented students at a small rural school in Texas.  I have been married to my junior high (that's right, junior high) sweetheart for 18 years and they have 3 beautiful children.  I teach in the same small district that my husband and I attended.  I love living in a small community in which everyone knows each other and takes care of one another. 

I have been a teacher for 16 years, teaching 4th/5th-grade math for 10 years before finding my passion in the gifted classroom.  As a parent of gifted children, I realize the importance of advocating for gifted education. I feel that every student deserves a meaningful learning experience and as teachers, it is our job to provide them with this. 

I enjoy speaking and sharing with other educators.  I am a connected educator that learns so much of what goes on in my classroom from my PLN (personal learning network).  I have spoken at many conferences, education service centers, and worked with many school districts to provide innovative learning experiences for their students.  Last year, I was named one of the Top People in Education to Watch in 2016 by the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences.  I have just finished publishing my first book about Genius Hour and could not be more excited.  I absolutely love sharing my passion for innovative education with other teachers that want more for their students. 

As an educator, I am passionate about using technology in the classroom and finding innovative ways to engage students. I believe that the students that we are educating today are unique and we must be creative in our teaching strategies.  I love what I do and I am excited to be an educator during a time that we have so much to offer our students.