Teaching is enormously rewarding, as each day presents a fresh opportunity to help students reach their potential. Their energy and curiosity inspires me every single day. I believe our public schools in Los Altos combine the best elements of innovation, inclusion, and tradition. Moreover, my colleagues, administrators, and the parent community are supportive in every way. Growing up near Toronto, Ontario, I was lucky to attend wonderful public schools with devoted teachers. And, as a parent volunteer at schools attended by my 3 sons in Toronto and Raleigh, NC, I discovered that teaching was a perfect fit for me. I completed my undergraduate degree at McMaster University in Canada, and earned my teaching credential at Meredith College, NC, and Notre Dame de Namur University. Since 2001, I have taught 4th and 5th grade at Santa Rita. In my spare time I love to read history, biography and historical fiction. I continue to be amazed by the flowers that grow here year round, and I will never forget my first glimpse of the dazzling California coast!