WHAT WERE YOU LIKE AS A STUDENT?
I grew up in Waukesha and went to Waukesha West High School. Throughout school my favorite subjects were reading and writing. While in high school I was very involved, and did a lot of extra curricular activities. I was in the French Club and took French  for 5 years. I was involved in DECA, which is a business club because I loved the teacher and took a business class every year. While in that club I competed in competitions that had to do with marketing and advertising. I was also highly involved in choir classes and with the Drama Club. I have been involved with over 15 plays and musicals. 

I went to UW- Whitewater for my bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I chose there because I went to visit a friend and immediately fell in love with the campus. I did not tour any other schools, and applied only there and got accepted. While in college I was also involved. I was president of the TOMS shoes club for 2 years, which is an organization that is near and dear to my heart. The company stands for tomorrows and follows a buy one get one policy. If you buy a pair of shoes from them, they give a pair of shoes to a person in need. I was also a peer mentor for 1 year. A peer mentor helps the freshman get used to being away at school and plans fun activities for meeting new people and getting to know the school. I was also a campus assistant for 2 years. These are the people you see walking backwards. I gave tours of the school to high school seniors and talked about why they should come to UW Whitewater, but I also worked in the admissions office and worked closely with applications of incoming students. 

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BE A TEACHER?
I decided to be a teacher in 4th grade. The teachers I had made such an impact on me as a student and I wanted to have that same impact on other children. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. I have taught several grades in my 4 years including 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th grade. I have stuck with the younger grades because I myself am a child at heart and I feel like I can connect and communicate with them a little bit more. I also like the fun activities and content area I get to teach when I am with the younger grades.  

WHY DID YOU BECOME A WILDCAT?
I have been teaching for 7 years, and this is my fourth year here at St. Bruno. What brought me here is that, while I was in College I actually substituted for Mr. Doug, our theatre arts teacher. After trying out a couple of different schools, there was finally an opening at St. Bruno so I applied. I like that it is a smaller school with a personal and close knit atmosphere. The families are supportive and so is the staff. The students are excited about learning and are respectful to the adults. I also like that I can express and share my faith every day while at work. 

HOW WERE YOU CALLED TO CHRIST?
I was raised as a Catholic. We would go to church often. My grandpa was a Deacon for a church in Eagle, but he passed away when I was little. As I got older though, my family sort of stepped away from the church. What brought me back to Christ were several events that happened in High school. 

The main event being my best friend. She was talking about all these cool things that their youth group was doing, and I didn’t really have that at my church. So I started going with her. I fell in love with that church and have called it home ever since. I got confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and on the day of my confirmation, I had a moment where I saw a picture in my head from when I was a child of my grandpa and I. I started crying and I knew he was there with me and it was all going to be ok. As a youth group, the biggest thing we did was perform “the Passion of the Christ” in mime. We toured all over Southern Wisconsin, and even out of state. My Senior year of high school I got to play Judas. It was very powerful for the performers and audience members and it made my faith even stronger. 

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”

Hebrews 13:2 “Do not forget to entertain strangers, 

for thereby some have entertained angels unknowingly.”

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL?
I like to think that I am a weekend rockstar! I’ve been singing and playing guitar around the area now for about 7 years. I’ve performed at coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, but also at bigger festivals like Summerfest, WI State Fair, Waukesha County Fair, and Taste of Wisconsin. My song selections are anything from Johnny Cash to present day radio. If you know of any places looking for music, let me know!

Another activity I am involved in is theatre. I have worked at the Waukesha Civic Theatre since I was 16 as a member of the event staff. It was my first job, and I still haven’t left. I also have been involved in over 10 musicals there. 

Lastly, I am busy planning a wedding as my fiance and I are getting married this summer! I am excited to start this new chapter of my life and become a wife. 

WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO REMEMBER?

One quote that has stuck with me is “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I believe in this phrase's message, that if you want something done you have to do it yourself first for others to follow. My students now have seen the poster in my classroom and have also latched onto the phrase.

Another one of my favorite quotes hangs above my door. “It’s about being better when you walk out.” This phrase was painted above my high school choir room and it’s something I want my students to remember. It doesn’t matter where you are at as you come in, but it’s important that you are always a little bit better when you walk out in some way.