I have been fortunate enough to positively impact the lives of over 18k students through initiatives focused on building a lifelong foundation for a healthy lifestyle, positivity, fitness, activity, teamwork, mobility, leadership, responsibility and functional physical learning. Any teacher will tell you that our role extends far beyond the classroom and lesson planning. My real passion and unique ability is creating human connections with my students, their families and my community. This allows me to serve others in a largely under-served community. By taking on leadership roles and launching special health & wellness initiatives, I've been able to significantly impact the lives of countless children in my community.

ARS was founded in 1963 with the vision of leading America towards a better future by fulfilling this charge through agricultural research and information. ARS employs 2000 scientists and post-docs at over 90 locations across the country. Collectively, our scientists are engaged in almost 700 cutting-edge research projects at any given moment. Projects range from how to reduce nitrate runoff on Midwest farms, to best practices for Honey Bee management. The information, technology, and improved techniques originating in the ARS scientific community have profound and wide-ranging impacts on all consumers domestic and abroad.