I was born and raised in Northern California. I received my B.A. in History with a Minor in Spanish from Brigham Young University in Utah. I also had the opportunity during that time to live in the Canary Islands. This experience allowed me begin my acquisition of a foreign language, and it was also my first time living abroad which was very exciting. After receiving my degree, I decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia. I received my M.A. in Applied Linguistics and Teaching ESL from Georgia State University. In 2015, my family and I decided to move to Colorado. I have been an ESL instructor since August, 2001, but I have loved teaching ESL since my first experience as a teaching assistant in a high school in 1997. I enjoy all aspects of teaching the English language, but I especially love seeing the growth in my students as they acquire a new language. When I am not teaching, my time is spent with my family (3 children & 2 dogs); I enjoy exploring our new state with them. I also enjoy baking, playing the piano, painting, Zumba, and reading.