I am a dedicated educational leader with a deep commitment to student-centered learning and a strong belief in the power of personalized education. My journey in education has been shaped not only by my professional experiences but also by my role as a wife to Kayle and mother to four children who have navigated public, charter, and homeschool environments. Parenting a child with special needs, alongside others who require academic challenge, has profoundly informed my perspective and purpose as an educator and leader.
After spending 21 years at home raising my children, I returned to education through six years of substitute teaching and volunteering in the Nampa and Meridian, Idaho school districts. This time allowed me to engage with diverse classrooms, grade levels, and school cultures, broadening my understanding of the educational landscape.
In 2013, I joined Kimberly Middle School as a 6th grade STEM teacher, where I spent eight years developing a dynamic, project-based curriculum from the ground up. I also served as a team leader, mentored colleagues, and was honored as the Kimberly Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2018. I was an active member of the Kimberly CORE teacher group, collaborating with a community of high-performing educators to strengthen instructional design. I also presented at the Idaho Middle Level Association (IMLA) conference in 2018 and 2019.
My passion for innovation and equity in education led me to join an exploratory committee in 2018 to design a new type of school for the Kimberly community. In 2020, I earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and assumed the role of sole administrator at RISE Charter School during its planning year and through its first three years of operation.
As the founding administrator, I led the implementation of new curriculum and school-wide protocols, and assembled a team of exceptional professionals who share a common vision: to show every student that they matter, to view mistakes as essential opportunities for growth, and to cultivate an inspiring, inclusive learning environment for all. Leading RISE from concept to reality has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my career.
Outside of my professional role, I enjoy outdoor activities, home improvement projects, running, reading, and spending time with my family. My leadership is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every learner.