Hello! I have been teaching ELA in Grafton since 2020, first in 7th grade as a long-term sub, where I loved getting to know the students and families of John Long, and then in 6th grade the years following. I am a 1991 graduate of Illinois State University with a BS in English. I worked as an advertising writer for six years before returning to school for my teaching certification from Roosevelt University, after which I taught 6th and 7th grade ELA in Fox Lake, Illinois.  After moving to Wisconsin and before coming to John Long, I taught middle and high school English and Creative Writing in the Northern Ozaukee School District, and served as a paraprofessional at Thorson Elementary in Cedarburg. I have lived in Cedarburg since 2010 with my husband, our three spunky kids, and two rascally cats, Fritz and Willow.  In my free time, I love to read and (in warm weather) be outside as much as possible with friends and family going walking, camping, to the beach, community events, and our cottage in the U.P.  I look forward to sharing a successful, engaging year with my students! Go, Falcons!.