I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on reading from the University of Northern Iowa. This summer I have been taking classes for my Masters of Education program with Morningside University.  Bet you didn't realize that teachers keep taking classes just like you! I love teaching and feel very fortunate to have the chance to work with so many wonderful young people.  I have been teaching at West Elementary for nine years.   I started teaching fifth grade, which I taught for three years before moving down to teach third grade for a year.  This will be my fifth year teaching fourth grade.  As you can see, I've tried all the grade levels here at West.  I think I've found the perfect grade to teach. 

I was born and raised here in Independence.  My dad, Don, is a barber.  I'll bet some of you even have him cut your hair.  Many of you may know my mom, Mrs. Reidy, who teaches first grade at East Elementary.  Did any of you have her for your first grade teacher?  I have two younger brothers.   Marty lives in Boise, Idaho with his family and Brian lives here in Independence, with his wife and two children.  I also have a younger sister, Erin, who you probably know better as Mrs. Dunlap from out on the playground.  She got married this summer and is now Mrs. Maurer.

My husband Mike and I have six children, Justin, Julia, Jeremy, Jason, Jackson, and Jenavieve. (It is a tradition to use the letter "J" in my husband's family.) I also have a stepson, Eric, who is serving in the Navy. The older kids are involved in many sports, as well as band.  Go Indee Marching Band!!  As you might guess we are pretty busy around our house.  We have spent hours at baseball fields this summer, along with band and football camps.   We live on a small acreage near Rowley where we have several cats ( I'm not sure what all their names are) and two dogs, Masher and Sirrus.