I completed my 30th year as an elementary teacher in Cobb County in 2017 and retired. I taught 3rd grade for 20 years, and then I earned an ESOL endorsement. I taught K-5 ESOL classes for 10 years. In 2003, I earned the Teacher Support Specialist certificate. During my career I mentored numerous beginning teachers and also supervised 4 Student Teachers. In 2003-04, I was Varner Elementary's Teacher of the Year, and in 2015-16, I was the runner up for the same honor. After retiring, I worked part time as Varner's Title I Parent Facilitator for two years. During that time, I developed an increased passion for helping parents of struggling students work with their children. This led me to form Empower to Engage, LLC. I am working with schools to empower them to engage families. I consult with Parent Facilitators and administrators and also conduct workshops for staff and parents both in person and virtually online. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, reading, and playing with our dogs.