I’m a learner and an educator.
I love to read, tell stores, solve puzzles, and play games.
I’ve been a teacher or school leader for nearly 40 years.
I am a native South Carolinian and have graduated from the University of SC five times (Go Gamecocks!).
I love to sing in the church choir, and I play hand bells.
In January 2017, I checked off a major bucket list item by becoming a 1-day Jeopardy! champion.
In 2020, I moved to Georgia to become the Magnet Director of Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy, a new high school for students in Barrow County.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’ve been married to Stan since 1984 and we have two adult children, Joe and Marilyn, and one cat, Captain.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I started teaching social studies (history, geography, government, and economics) in 1984 – a lot has changed since then!
I really did not intend to leave the classroom, but in 2006 I earned my administrative certification and moved into school leadership.
I love working with young people and I still am passionate about teaching.
When I retire in about 8-10 years, then I plan to go to law school.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always have dreams and goals to work toward.
Have a bucket list and work on checking off items!
Don’t be discouraged when you don’t reach a goal, just keep trying!
I tried out for Jeopardy for 30 years before I finally got “the call” to be a contestant.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In ten years, I’d like to be in law school or starting to practice law, specializing in education.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am terrified of heights, and I hate driving over high bridges.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’d love to compete on another TV game show – maybe Wheel of Fortune?
I’d love to go to Iceland and see the aurora borealis.
I’d like to learn to speak Italian fluently.
I want to learn to play the mountain dulcimer or maybe the harp.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Eating a steak dinner, cooked on the grill by my husband, with both kids at home, followed by family game night.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children and my students at school.
I want to be a great role model.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d love to meet someone who can tell me all about the local history of Winder and Barrow County.
I want to hear about the wog and other local legends. We could meet at SavvyCakes in Statham.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Latin Flavors, Smokey Gringos, True Vine – I’m sure there are others I haven’t tried yet!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Almost 2 years (a newbie!).
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
So many!
I think Ellen Petree must know everyone in the county – she’s amazing.
There are so many cool people who work at BASA too.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I’ve very curious about the building in town, across from the Courthouse, that says “Opera House.”
I want to know the history of the building and who may have performed there.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My experience has been that people are very friendly and welcoming here.
Also, parents are usually extremely supportive of the school and teachers.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Love, and Happiness.
