As someone who was "born" to teach and work with kids, I knew early on in my life that Education, in some way, shape, or form, was going to be my life-long career. After 10 years in the regular education environment, my journey took a new direction when my child was diagnosed with Autism...more specifically, a Twice Exceptional learner. It became my purpose to learn everything I could about "life on the spectrum": Would my child's disability of autism shadow her exceptionally creative and artistic gift? What learning environment would best suit her needs and nurture her? How could my husband and I best advocate for her when she could not yet advocate for herself?My professional, and now, personal, journey led me to pursue my Master's Degree in Special Education. After graduating with a Cross Categorical degree and licensure, I began teaching at Kettle Moraine Middle School as a 6th grade Special Education teacher. In this role, I have developed IEP's, Dynamic Learning Model IEP's, Functional Behavior Plans, and Social Skills groups. I have also developed a successful Self-Contained Math curriculum for students with special needs. Each year, the data has shown that the students in my small group class have grown 1-2 grade levels in Math competency and proficiency. My journey continues as my husband and I are about to become "Empty Nesters". We are re-locating to Mooresville, NC this summer (2023). I look forward to continuing my educational pathway as I enter this new chapter of my life.