I’m very excited to be here as the Director of Teaching and Learning and although I’ve lived in the Madison area for a number of years, I grew up in Rhinelander and have spent most of my time living and working in small communities. 

Education is my second career. I started out in business where I developed my customer service point of view.  I received my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Mankato State University in 1989, a Masters of Science in Education with an emphasis on exceptional learners from UW Stevens Point in 2001, a reading license from UW Whitewater in 2001, and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from UW Madison, including the Principal and Director of Instruction licenses, in 2011. I have worked at all levels of the K-12 system with both students who struggle and students who excel.

I’ve always been passionate about learning. I want all students to have the same things that I wanted for my own children – caring teachers that connect with students and families, rigorous curriculum that propels students to achieve high standards while making learning fun, and schools that work together to prepare all students for a secure future. Today more than ever before, the skills and attitudes needed for college, technical school, the military and career are the same. These standards are high, but achievable when we work together.

My husband and I have two daughters, Alyssa who recently graduated from the University of MN with a degree in Architecture, and Katelyn who is starting her college career at UW Baraboo.  In my free time, I enjoy renovating houses, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing with our two dogs, Mori Moto and Bella.