1. How many years of experience do you have teaching or in the school system? I have been in education for nine years. I worked as an educator assistant and as a lead behavior educator assistant in Murfreesboro City Schools the first several years. I conducted my student teaching at Cascade Elementary under Mrs. Karen Jackson and began teaching fourth grade at Eakin Elementary in 2022. 2. What made you want to become a teacher or work in a school? When I began working at Hobgood in Murfreesboro City Schools, I had a very large support network, but none so much as Dr. Tammy Garrett. She saw something I didn’t see in myself, and I found I enjoyed working with the students. She encouraged me repeatedly to go back to school to get my teaching license, and finally I did. She is my mentor and has been going on nine years, and without her support and encouragement, I would not be here.
3. About what are you most excited for working at Cartwright? I am most excited about meeting new people and having so many new people to learn from and different perspectives to see and hear; I am excited to grow with others.
4. Is there anything extra you would like to share? I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with concentrations in Abnormal Child Development and Behavior Modification, and double minors in Biology and Neuro-Psychology. I took these paths because I felt that understanding the normal functions of the brain, on both a psychological and biological level, would better help me understand the abnormal functions of the brain. My reasoning here is to ensure that I understand my students on any and all levels possible; this allows me to better teach and connect with ALL of my students.