•  Bolivia  Following my graduation from BYU, I volunteered to spent a year and a half in Boliva teaching reading and health from August 1987 to February of 1989.  I learned Spanish, and enjoy the occasional opportunity that I have now to converse with others who speak Spanish.
     Adams Spanish Immersion  When I came back to the United States, I was able to get a job teaching at Adams Spanish Immersion School that fall.  The school had only been open for two years, and it was the first program of it's kind in Minnesota, so we all enjoyed developing the program that has been replicated many times since.  I taught there from 1989-1995, and had my first two children while teaching there.
     Anoka County  I wanted to spend more time with my children, and was lucky enough to have the opportunity to stay at home with them while running a licensed daycare from my home.  During this time, I had 3 more children, and completed my masters degree in Early Childhood Education.  I was a daycare provider from 1995 until 2007, until my children were all in school full time and I decided to go back to work.
     Anoka Hennepin
     In 2007, I started working for Anoka Hennepin Schools as a long term sub in a special education classroom.  I really enjoyed it, and while I have changed positions, I have never left special education.  So far, I have worked in the following positions:
    • Special education teacher at Rum River Elementary (2007-2008)
    • Special Education Evaluation Team (2008-2009)
    • Special Education teacher at  Blaine High School (2009-2013)
    • Special Education Department Leader at BHS (2013-present)