What did you do before you started at WGU Missouri? Prior to working at WGU Missouri, I taught 5th grade at Prairie Point Elementary in the Park Hill School District. I also supervised student teachers at the University of Missouri Kansas City.

What was your proudest moment at WGU Missouri? As a mentor in the Teachers College, I feel like we work so hard to prepare our students for Demonstration Teaching. There is so much involved behind the scenes not just passing their courses, and it can be quite stressful for the students. My proudest moment so far has been when my first three students were provisionally accepted into the cohort for Demonstration Teaching. Each of these women had hardships to overcome, and they did not let anything deter them from their goals or dreams of becoming a teacher. They are all currently about to complete their Demonstration Teaching and will soon graduate. Their graduation will be my next proudest moment.

What is your favorite thing about working at WGU Missouri? I have so many. It is tough to decide on just one. I would say relationships would have to be my favorite thing about working at WGU Missouri. The friendships I have formed mean so much to me. My Nye Rockstars team is pretty amazing for so many reasons. And finally, the connections I get to form with my students. I have told so many people that I LOVE my job and wish I had found it sooner.

What has surprised you most about working for WGU Missouri? When I was first hired, I was concerned that working from home would isolate me and make it hard to form relationships with colleagues. I have been so happily surprised at how wrong I was. The collegiality at WGU is promoted from the top, and truly makes it a great place to work.

What was your first job? Babysitting was my first job. I guess I was destined to work with children.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? From the time I was in 3rd grade, I knew I wanted be a teacher. Bonnie Blesi was my 3rd grade teacher. She was tall, beautiful and always smiled. She spoke with a soft voice, and you just knew you were her favorite student. And she let me grade my math using her teacher’s manual!

What is your favorite thing to do in your downtime? My favorite thing to do in my downtime is to spend it with my family. If I am not doing that, I love to treasure hunt in thrift stores and antique stores.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be? How to live in the present and not worry!