I grew up in Tremonton and Logan, Utah, and graduated from Utah State University. I taught 5th and 6th graders in Mississippi, Germany, and Idaho. In Idaho, I taught gifted and talented for 5 years and was department head for 2 years. I moved back to Utah 2 years ago to be closer to 10 of my 15 grandchildren and 4 of my 9 children. My interests include music (I've directed countless choirs; taught piano, violin, and voice; performed in musicals and opera; and currently teach piano.), gardening, hiking (I hiked to 4 high alpine lakes and several waterfalls this summer.), and reading. I ran two 5Ks this summer---for the first time in my life! I love to travel (Europe, Africa, S. America, USA), but currently my travel is limited to visiting children in Washington D.C., Ohio, Minnesota (5 grandchildren there), and Seattle. This is my 18th year of teaching. I love teaching---especially 6th graders!