I’m excited to be part of the Ascent Academy team! Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, I earned a BS in Geology before moving to Utah with my family (husband, children, and pets) to attend graduate school. A fellowship teaching college courses lit the spark of science education; after I completed my master’s program in Paleontology, I earned a master’s in Education. After graduate school, I worked as a petrologist for a geomechanical engineering company, which gave me a hands-on understanding of the sciences I now share with students. 

Over time I started to miss the classroom! I moved into teaching full time, and I’ve now spent 21 years in junior high and high school classrooms — 24 years total when you count adults. My goal every day is to make science education engaging, real, and full of wonder. 

Outside of teaching, I love music, animals, and tabletop roleplaying games. I also love to write, and have published articles in children’s and creative writing magazines. I’m happiest when I’m exploring and sharing stories. My students keep me curious and on my toes!