My early years were spent on the beautiful island of Oahu where I was born to a homemaker mom and a Navy father. From my parents I inherited a love for learning that has defined my life’s journey. An educator since 1989, I spent the first years of my career as an elementary teacher, teaching every grade level from Pre-Kindergarten to 6th grade. I made the shift to middle school about 6 years into my teaching career, teaching English, Social Studies and History to grades 6-8. Between these years I earned a masters degree in education from San Diego State University and recently completed my Doctorate in Education in a joint program through San Diego State University and The University of San Diego. From classroom teacher I went on to become a Staff Developer and then a Vice Principal at Challenger Middle School before subsequently becoming Principal here at Loma Portal.