From Then to Now!! North White holds a very special place in my heart, as I am a PROUD graduate of North White Jr.-Sr. High School! It is ironic how some things come 'full-circle' and the people who impact you along the way have a way of showing back up in your life!!! After graduating from North White in 1990, I attended Saint Joseph's College --- I love those PUMA's, too! I had a phenomenal experience at St. Joe and would recommend their programming to anyone!! I was active in several student education groups, coordinator of the intramural volleyball programs, and I also had the distinct honor of receiving the IAHPERD Award my senior year. I participated in the education practicums at Kankakee Valley Middle School and Rensselaer Central High School, before completing my student-teaching at Tri-County School Corporation. While I was student-teaching, I covered all elementary PE classes, MS & HS Health & PE. I had a great student-teaching experience and developed some wonderful relationships. I graduated from SJC with honors in 1994 with a degree in Health & Physical Education. After graduating from St. Joe's, I worked for three years for a not-for-profit agency called White County Youth, Inc. located in Monticello, IN. I was the Program Director of all after-school activities in the four White County Elementary Schools and worked closely with the White County Cooperative Extension Office. I also assisted in writing grants and did all administrative duties (payroll, taxes, etc.). It was a GREAT stepping-stone toward my teaching career. I began teaching here at North White in 1997. I have to admit that returning to North White as an educator is MUCH DIFFERENT than returning as a student!!! It was very odd to me to be teaching along side many of the same teachers who taught me!! Wowzers! But...those veteran teachers taught me so much that first year...and every year since! Well-rounded, effective teachers learn to adapt and be flexible. I would hope that I have adapted to the changes in education and have grown professionally and personally as an educator over the last 14 years. I hope I continue having a good rapport with my students and fellow staff members, and bring ever-changing diverse lessons to my classroom. I may not the best teacher at North White, but I know I am surrounded by the BEST in the county! My colleagues and students push me to be a better teacher each and every day! And for that...I am grateful.