I proudly call St. Charles County my home, a place where my roots run deep in the world of education. Raised by dedicated educators, my parents instilled in me a profound appreciation for the value of learning and the importance of respecting the educational journey. Witnessing their commitment to public school teaching, I saw firsthand how trust and value are fundamental pillars of a thriving educational system.

It was only natural that I would follow in their footsteps as I started my educational journey within the St. Charles and Francis Howell School Districts. My academic pursuits led me to Southeast Missouri State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Furthering my dedication to education, I achieved a Master of Education Administration degree at the University of Missouri in St. Louis.

For three decades, I had the privilege of teaching students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in the City of St. Charles School District. My teaching career came full circle as I had the honor of retiring from the very classroom where my journey as an educator began. Beyond the classroom, I continued to share the gift of music as the Music Director at First St. Charles United Methodist Church during my retirement.

The core principles of American public education, as articulated by Horace Mann, the father of American public education, have guided my path: “In a democratic society, education should be free and universal, nonsectarian, democratic in method, and reliant on well-trained professional teachers.”

In our great nation, public schools are a beacon of opportunity, where classroom doors are open to all, without any test or hurdle to clear for admission. It’s this foundational belief that compelled me to become a public school teacher and now drives me to seek the opportunity to serve the students, dedicated staff, and supportive families of the Francis Howell School District.

Our students, staff, and families are deserving of our utmost trust, respect, and unwavering support. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community through the transformative power of education.