I have found that students eagerly anticipate each day of school when new lessons are presented as exciting adventures! Add some laughter and storytelling, and the classroom community becomes a place where students are willing to take risks, are open to sharing ideas, and feel safe and accepted. I have been fortunate to see many students flourish in the Springer classrooms and community since 1993! I was raised close by in the coastal town of Pacifica. I spent 4 memorable years at Santa Clara University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minored in English. As part of my teacher credentialing program at San Jose State University, I was a student-teacher at Springer Elementary in a first grade classroom! The next fall, I officially joined the Springer Staff and taught first grade for five years. Then, I ventured into the upper grades and have taught fourth grade since 1998. My favorite part about teaching fourth grade is sharing California’s history with each new group of students through many hands-on experiences and discussions about the changes in our state over the years. Beyond the classroom, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, Jazzercise, and crafts.