School: West Middle
Other positions you have held in education: I was high school science teacher and competitive cheer and girls track and field coach at Thornapple Kellogg High School for 10 years.
How about jobs outside education? I worked in a factory the summer out of high school, worked at a restaurant throughout my stay at MSU, and worked in medical records at Spectrum Health for five years during summers.
Spouse/children: Brent is my husband and we have four children: Miles, 5; Elle, 4; Graham, 3; and Caden, 1.
Hobbies/Interests/Little-known talent: I love being with my family. I have three siblings and six nieces and nephews. My parents live on a lake and we all spend a lot of time together. I enjoy running and I love all things sports.
What kind of kid were you at the age of students at this new school? When I was in middle school I was a driven student. I wanted A’s! And I can specifically remember being in class, waiting for tests to be passed back, and being anxious about my grade. I wanted to please my teachers and coaches and make my parents proud. Yes, I was that kid! I loved sports — played them year-round — and loved being with my friends. I played basketball, volleyball, cheered and ran track in middle school.
The biggest lesson you have learned from students is… Every student has a story and deserves to learn, no matter what that story may be.
If I could go back to school I would go to… Junior year of high school. I loved high school! I was playing three sports, earning great grades, had great friends, lived at home with my parents (this makes life easy – ha!), and had my whole future ahead of me!
If you walked into your new school building to theme music every day, what would the song be? Tough question. … I love music! But I think “Eye of the Tiger” would have to be it. Who doesn’t get pumped up when they hear that song?!?!
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