I was born in Winfield, Illinois, a small suburb of Chicago.  I attended high school at West Chicago Community High School.  During my high school years I played volleyball and softball.  I attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.  I participated in intramural volleyball and was a member of the student programming council.  I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.  I moved to Mount Vernon about 14 years ago to start my first teaching job.  This is my seventh year at Woodlawn High School.  I am the Homecoming and Beta Club Sponsor.  I have a one son, Noah, who is in fourth grade.