I have 27 years of teaching experience in the State of Florida. I am a perennial "Highly-Effective" teacher who strives daily to bring the best out of each of my students. Recent experience over the 2nd half of my teaching career has revolved around success with Reading and English students. Education is key to success obviously in every field in the world, and I pride myself on coming from a rich background of teachers in my family. Coaching is another important element in my life as I have 38 seasons of experience at the high school and summer swim levels. Nine individual and relay state titles and 20 conference titles have been notched under my tenure, which also includes seven "Coach Of the Year" awards. Past exploits include track (16 years of jr/sr high ), soccer ( 7 years of jr high ), and JV Football (Special Teams-Kicking) Balance with academics and athletics is key to success with today's youth and has been equally important for me personally. My work with students with Behavioral Disorders, in the school and private sector, has led to past triumphs and valuable experiences including serving Clay County for 19 years as a District Level Trainer in Crisis Intervention. This ties in to my studies and community mental health experiences related to my Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from UNF. (M.S.H.)I take great pride in my work with the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation. Since the mid 90's, I have been involved doing volunteer work and coordinating game day operations with this amazing organization. Handling hundreds of youth in this challenging setting is a skill I relish and enjoy immensely. Proud parent to two amazing daughters, I am humbled to be a part of their lives. Both are successful college students and exemplify our family's importance on education. ( Two were AICE students) My spare time involves the gym, water sports, mountain biking, and any cross training activities I can find.