I am excited to start another year at Westwood Elementary.  Working with children is a passion and love of mine.  Every child can learn, it is just our job as a teacher to find the way the child learns best.  I was born and raised in Portland and love being able to teach in the community.  Before becoming a teacher, I was an paraeducator for students with autism.  After encouragement from a teacher, I decide to head back to school.  I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2013 and have been here in Portland since.  Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my husband, Wade and three children, Bailee, Max and Harper.  We enjoy hunting, fishing, camping and sports.  I also enjoy coaching basketball and softball.  I have been a varsity softball assistant coach since 2001.