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            I am originally from Lincoln Nebraska but have called Colorado home since 1998.  I am currently living in Fort Collins as I have recently graduated from Colorado State University.  During my undergraduate studies I started working as a para educator substitute for the Poudre School District.  In 2019 I was asked to stay as a permanent para educator for two months after spending a few days part time.  This experience was valuable in the midst of my education as I worked with a variety of special needs students.

            I have traveled to a dozen countries and consider learning about other cultures a high priority in education.  After trips to Europe with the University of Nebraska choir and separately a visual art study tour with my drawing professor,  I decided to stay in London and live for a year.  This is when I traveled around Europe and the Middle East by myself and took hundreds of rolls of film.  As a result of this experience I pursued a degree in photography at the Art Institute of Colorado where I graduated in 2000.  After graduation I moved to Playa del Carmen, Mexico and opened up my own restaurant as well as a photography business.  I spent a total of eight years in Playa del Carmen where I learned the value of entrepreneurship.   These experiences have shaped who I am as an educator today.