My Background
I was born and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan, just two miles north of Detroit. I attended Franklin Elementary School, Helen Keller Junior High, and Dondero High School; all of which are now closed...so sad. Having been the 3rd generation to attend Royal Oak Schools, many of my teachers were classmates or educators for my parents, siblings or cousins.
After graduating from Dondero, I attended Oakland University (OU), in Rochester Hills, Michigan. There I studied Elementary Education and Middle School Language Arts. Although OU is only 20 miles from Royal Oak, I did live on campus and competed on the Division I swim team. Having not attended a Big Ten school I have been afforded the ability to flip-flop in the cheering sections for MSU and UofM :)
Upon graduating in December of 2002, I substitute taught for 3 years in various districts. During this time I renewed my passion for swimming and began coaching the Lamphere Women's Varsity Swim Team, as well as the Royal Oak Men's Varsity Swim Team. I am proud to say that during my tenure I coached several state qualifiers, won 3 league titles, and was named Coach of the Year. The picture above is from the last banquet I attended before moving. Top row (left): Asst. Coach Jeff, Head Coach Darrin, Asst. Coach Rich. Bottom Row (left): Asst. Coach Joy (me), Asst. Coach Jill, and Diving Coach Jen. The four J's confused many boys on the team.
While I enjoyed coaching, I yearned to have my own classroom but was unable to find employment in the sinking economy of Michigan. Deciding not to flush 4 1/2 years of college loans down the drain, I decided to relocate to another state and was fortunate to find a position at Franklin. I have since learned to love corn fields and soy-beans but still struggle with accepting the Illini.
Continuing my protest against Big Ten tuition, I began my Master's Degree at Eastern Illinois University in the fall of 2007 and will graduate this December! When I am not studying education administration, I enjoy reading, walking, swimming, and running. In the last 2 years I have participated in 3 half-marathons with a personal best time of 2 hours and 2 minutes. My next scheduled half-marathon is for Indianapolis in May 2010; there I hope to FINALLY break the two hour barrier.
This last summer I plunged into the adult world of owning a pet. I decided on a 100 lb. Neapolitan Mastiff and named her Annabeth. She is named after a character in one of my favorite books. Can you figure out which one? While most people say she looks intimidating, she is rather skittish, and can be easily coaxed into a petting by giving her a treat. Annabeth likes long walks. She keeps me busy with short morning walks beginning at 5:45 AM, and long evening walks of at least 3 miles. Friends say I should start running with her, but she's too big and too lazy. :)
I also enjoy a large family, including 2 sisters and 1 brother, dozens of cousins, one niece and two nephews. I visit family often and am a true Michigander. I love the Tigers, Pistons, and Lions. The best season for a Lions Fan is the off season...that's when we have the best hopes of winning. My favorite Detroit team would have to be the Red Wings. If you don't know what those are please stop by room 208, I will gladly show off my Stanley Cup Champion pendents.
