How long have you been at North Penn? Since 2004. Before then I worked at Northwestern Lehigh Middle School, where I actually started as a special education teacher. Then I went to Southern Lehigh for a year while I was getting my Reading Specialist certification, and then I came to North Penn in 2004. I have always been at the high school, but there were two years when I was at the high school in the morning and then Bridle Path in the afternoon.

What made you want to become a teacher? When I was younger, I just knew. I liked working with kids and students that had a more difficult time learning. I felt like I just had a gift for that. I wanted to help them out and inspire kids to do good things.

What is your favorite part of teaching? I think the relationship you form with students, especially at this age. I have taught every grade level except 7th and 8th, so I have a vast experience with different ages. The high school is fun because you can talk to kids about jobs, and the prom, and dating,driving, and it is just a different rapport you have at this level, which I enjoy.

What do you like to do when you aren’t in the classroom? I like to spend time with my family, of course. I have a 9 year old daughter, Raya, and a six year old daughter, Sage. ANd my husband Keith and our English bulldog, Norman. We have a lot of fun! We love to go outside, take bike rides, relax, and do all sorts of fun stuff.

What is the best part about North Penn? I would have to say the diversity. It is such a huge school, I mean there’s over 3,000 students in the building. But at the same time, I think it is cool that I can still see the same kids over and over again. You realize that it is huge, but not that huge. You get to know everybody, which is cool.

What advice would you give to high schoolers? Be yourself. Follow your dreams. Many times social media can be such a negative thing, so if you can separate yourself more and look at the real world all around you. There is so much to see, so many cool things going on, so try a new adventure. Reach for the stars.

What is an interesting fact people don’t know about you? I had a Halloween themed wedding. I did have a white wedding dress, even though I was considering black and white. We had a graveyard scene, tombstones with our names on it, witches, all sorts of things. Our bridal party came into the reception and they had Freddy Krueger masks and bats. My husband had a ball and chain, I had a white witches hat. As you can tell, I love Halloween! I love Jack Skellington! We go all out for Halloween.