I have been teaching for 13 years, but before that I worked for the government for 5 years, was a VP for a textile company for 15 years,and worked for Riverbanks Zoo for 2 years as Curator of Education, Asst. Curator of Small mammals, and Zoo Interpreter.  I bring a varied bag of experiences to my classroom and still enjoy doing research and learning about the world around us.  I feel passionate about what I teach and who I teach, and believe this is the most important job I have ever had.   I love Starmount High, am a 1977 graduate, and a graduate of Western Carolina University.I possess a BS degree in Parks and Rec. Mgt., and Zoology.

My daughter attends Appalachian State University so we verbally disagree on the best education available, but I enjoy all the time spent with her hiking trails around Kataluma and river running down the Mighty Yadkin River.

Most of my off time I am in the woods or in my kayak with my dog Jack.