4th Grade Teacher Email Phone: 715-272-1105
I was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky, but raised in Shawano, Wisconsin, the daughter of a physician and a terrific stay-at-home mom. I attended Carthage College for two years and then transferred to Concordia College in River Forest, Illinois, to complete my degree. Following graduation, I completed an internship at Camp Luther in Three Lakes to receive certification as a Director of Christian Education.
From 1981-1996, I taught several different grades (2nd-5th) at Immanuel Lutheran School in Marshfield. While in Marshfield, I married my wonderful husband, Gary, and had my daughters, Elyse and Anna. In 1996, my husband and I decided to make a career change and move. I became the program director and outdoor education specialist at Camp Luther in Three Lakes, and Gary became a realtor with Re/Max Property Pros in Eagle River.
After spending three years in Camp ministry, I was fortunate to be hired by Three Lakes School District in fall 1999. Since then, I have taught 3rd, 4th and 7th grades. I am thrilled to now be at Sugar Camp Elementary teaching 4th grade. In 2016, my husband and I moved to Rhinelander to be closer to my mother, daughter and granddaughter. Sadly, Gary passed away in Fall 2019, but I continue life and am so thankful for my school community that lends me care and support.
Along with teaching, one of the greatest joys in my life is being a grandparent. When I’m not hanging out with my granddaughter, Bailey, or babysitting my grandson, Lincoln, I enjoy singing and playing guitar at church, hiking, fishing and spending time with family and friends.
My Teaching Philosophy
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats
My role as an educator is to motivate and inspire my students to learn the information and skills they need to progress in the educational process and to become life-long learners and productive citizens in the future. As human beings, we all look for affirmation and validation in life. It is my responsibility as a teacher to make each of my students feel loved and respected in his or her educational journey. I work to assist my students in identifying their own unique gifts and inspire them to pursue avenues in which to capitalize on them and make a difference in our world.
It is my responsibility to model caring and a positive attitude in my words and actions so the students will respond with that same caring and positivity toward others and toward learning. It is truly a privilege to serve in the Three Lakes School District and particularly in the Sugar Camp community. I feel blessed to serve the students and families of this area and will continue to do my utmost to "light a fire" in my students.