I started my Education degree at Red Deer College, transferring after 2 years to Canadian University College for another 3 years.  I graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Education degree specializing in Elementary Education from Union College in Nebraska.  

I have been a teacher with Red Deer Public since 2002 working first as a substitute teacher, teaching Music at Joseph Welsh and then being so very lucky to get hired at G.W. Smith.  I started as a grade 3 teacher, teaching fabulous 8 year olds for 7 years.  I then started my family and experienced some changes in my teaching assignment.  After returning from maternity leave, I was offered an opportunity to explore the life as the Music teacher!  I taught with a great team in Grade 4 and 5 for 4 years and have recently been reassigned to Grade 3!

I'm currently on a long-term leave of absence from the Canadian Forces, but I am also a Captain in the Canadian Air Force and have achieved roles such as Commanding Officer of the #7 Penhold Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron and as a Squadron Commander in the Music Training Wing at the Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre.  

Most importantly, I am a mom to 2 beautiful children!  Raya is 8 and currently attends Grade 3 and Ryker, who is 4 and in Pre-K!