An "almost native" to Arizona, I graduated from North High School in Phoenix with an International Baccalaureate diploma. I continued my education at Arizona State University as a National Merit and Regents scholar, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, go Devils! My teaching certification is in secondary mathematics with an endorsement in gifted education. I began teaching in the Chandler Unified School District in 2005 and have been teaching Santan gifted students since 2008. I decided to become a teacher because I love learning and have never regretted the decision.