I graduated from College of Saint Benedict with an Elementary Education degree K-8, a Language Arts concentration in 5-8.  I have 11 years of teaching experience.  I taught at Saint Odilia’s in Shoreview for three years and most recently eight years teaching at Holy Spirit. I have a little one, who was born in February. I have a passion and enthusiasm for working with young children.  The thing I enjoy most about teaching is instilling a sense of discipline, work ethic, and problem solving skills, while at the same time showing a child that you care about their interest and their growth as human beings.  As an educator I feel as though these are essential values in fostering an environment for learning and development. As I have done with my niece and nephews, I have tried to be a positive role model teaching them to be polite and respectful of others, yet encourage their creativity and imagination.  Kids have a wonderful exuberance and curiosity, as a teacher and daycare provider; my goal is to encourage that as well as placing an emphasis on life skills even at a young age.  I am truly inspired each day in seeing children grow and learn in a safe and nurturing environment.