I was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but moved to Florida when I was 11 years old. I attended public middle school, but was sent to private high school after my older brother and sister thought school was optional, and decided to skip on occasion. (Of course I picked the only school in the area that did not require a uniform.) I went there for 3 years, but was then offered a job with the San Francisco ballet my senior year. I lived in California for 3 years with another 16 year old in our own apartment and had a great experience. But injuries occurred and my ballet career was over.
However, Plan B took effect and I attended my local community college and received my A.A. From there I worked as an after school and summer camp counselor and attended F.A.U. where I received my B.A. in Education. I also received my ESOL and Gifted endorsement. I started teaching in West Palm Beach in 1995 and taught regular first grade for two years. From there I taught a full time gifted K-2 class, and 2nd and 3rd grade gifted. I moved to the island in 2004 and received my 4th grade position at Emma Love. In 2006, after only 2 years here, I was elected by my fellow peers as “Teacher of the Year” at Emma Love and from there made the top 5 finalist in the county. I didn’t win that year, but it was a great honor to know that I was admired by my colleagues for my teaching abilities. It has also been a great achievement that I am in my 31st year of teaching. It has gone so quickly.
I am married to William Van Epps, who I met on Match.com after I moved to the island. (Funny thing is he only lived a mile away.) I have an 19-year-old daughter, 2 step daughters, 1 step granddaughter, 3 cats and 1 fish. I speak fluent Spanish, am addicted to my Iphone , collect Hello Kitty (it’s only allowed in my classroom hehe), and love teaching children.