I was raised in the St. Louis area and obtained my Associate’s of Arts in Teaching at Jefferson College before attending Missouri State University for my Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education. I have worked as a Reading Instructional Aide in an entirely military population school, the Program Leader of a before and after school care program in a Title 1 school district, a Substitute Teacher for many grades and subjects, and a Lead Teacher in a NAEYC-accredited child development center. I have Elementary Teaching Certification in Missouri and Illinois for grades 1-6, as well as Substitute Teaching Certification for Missouri and Illinois. I am currently working as the Youth Program Manager for a non-profit organization focused on creating pathways for students to break into the cybersecurity world.I am also an experienced illustrator and graphic designer, and I own a small business selling my designs.