Tell us about yourself!

I have been teaching math for 32 years at both the high school and the junior high school (6th-8th grades). I also tutor college math students. I decided to become a teacher because I saw how many people struggle with math, therefore, hating math and having low confidence in their abilities. I want to find a way to help students of all ages understand math, dispel their fears, and believe in themselves and their abilities. I want them to understand they have the power to be successful; therefore, they can overcome any obstacle in their lives. I love working with students and seeing the “lightbulb” turn on: their eyes light up, they smile, they move forward knowing that they can do it! I have also coached volleyball, softball, basketball and track, as well as a Student Council Advisor. I have my students and my own children help in the community with blood drives, food drives, coat drives, serving dinners, and community clean up days. I also help with announcing and working barrel races in Northern Arizona. I have 4 children who excelled in school and sports, were active in our community and church, and completed 500-1000 hours of community service while in high school.

Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?

Currently, my favorite players are Clayton Keller, Phil Kessel and Lawson Crouse from the Arizona Coyotes because they are not only strong players, they work hard with their teammates which shows in their assists. Being a great teammate means playing your hardest, despite any obstacles, and helping your teammates do the same. They push their teammates to strive to be better and work together for a common goal.

What is your favorite part of the Future Goals™program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?

I love the math in Future Goals, but I also love my students applying math and logic and having fun while doing it. This program gives my students the opportunity to learn and practice Number Sense while learning a bit about hockey, as well as incorporating the other aspects of STEM. Some are now interested setting personal goals to attend a real hockey game!! It is awesome that my students are able to broaden their horizons and learn more about other sports that our school isn’t able to include, in addition to seeing how Science, Technology and Engineering are applications of math.

If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?

If I played hockey, I would probably work towards being a forward. Although I love defense, I would love to work with the other two forwards to make the magic happen on the ice. I haven’t really skated since I lived in Detroit, but I loved working with my teammates for a common goal. It was like we could read each other’s minds and knew where the others were going and what was going to happen. The stronger the union, the more productive the team and the game. Regardless of the position, I feel that the ultimate strength of the team comes from being 100% into the game 100% of the time.