When her family moved to Huntington Village in 1983, she had no idea Alief would become the place where she’d build both her life and career. Her father accepted a position as the band director at Hastings High School, while her mother began teaching at Heflin Elementary. Soon after, she entered Alief Middle School, followed by Elsik South, where she became a proud member of the Mighty Ram Marching Band. Playing trumpet in the band all four years was the highlight of her high school experience, creating friendships that remain strong nearly 40 years later.
Her passion for teaching started early. With both parents serving as educators, she grew up surrounded by inspiration. The encouragement of her Alief teachers only deepened her love for learning and affirmed her dream of leading a classroom of her own.
That dream became reality — and for the past 33 years, she has taught exclusively in Alief ISD. Most of her career has been spent in the primary grades, but in recent years, she has followed her students into 3rd and 4th grade. That continuity gave her the unique opportunity to watch her students grow academically, socially, and emotionally over multiple years. Today, as a 4th-grade teacher at Outley Elementary, she finds joy in watching her students broaden their understanding of the world while still needing the love, support, and encouragement that school provides.
Her connection to the Outley community runs deep. Some of her former students have returned as parents, and last year she even taught what she affectionately calls a “grand student” — the child of one of her former pupils. For her, these generational connections reflect the heart of Alief: a place where relationships endure and community thrives.
Even with retirement on the horizon, she continues to push herself to grow. This year, she is pursuing her National Board Certification, supported by Alief ISD. Knowing that National Board Certified teachers have a significant positive impact, she views this as an opportunity to refine her craft and give her very best to students. “I push myself to grow in some way each year,” she explains, “and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to continue learning.”
Her dedication extends beyond academics. Over the years, she has organized countless community outings for her students — trips to Alief Community Park, Chuck-E-Cheese, Chick-fil-A, the movies, the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink, and even laser tag. She has also taken her classes to visit a local retirement home, where they sang and made crafts with residents. For her, these experiences strengthen bonds and help students feel connected beyond the classroom.
Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband, watching horror movies, and attending horror conventions, where they’ve met actors from some of their favorite films. She also cherishes time with her 27-year-old daughter.
This year brings an especially meaningful opportunity: mentoring an Elsik High School student who is earning college credit while preparing to become a teacher. She knows firsthand the power of mentorship and leaves future educators with heartfelt advice: “Love getting to know your students and let them make you laugh.”