1. Where are you from?
I grew up as a Navy brat, but I consider my hometown to be Vallejo.

2. Where do you teach and what grade do you teach?
I teach 1st grade at Amber.

3. How long have you been with ADPP?
I started with ADPP back in October 1995. I started as an afternoon preschool floating teacher at Moorpark, back when it was just Building A.

4. What is your teaching background and experience?
I’ve been working with children since 1994. I have a degree in Child Development from SJSU.

5. What do you like most about your job?
I just love interacting with the children. They have the most interesting conversations!

6. What do you think is special about Amber?
Amber is a great place to work because there are so many different teachers from all walks of life. I can turn to any number of them and get so many different ideas on how to introduce or teach a unit.

7. What is your favorite part of the day at Amber?
I like when we first come in at 8:30. The children have a routine that they follow. They know exactly what to do and they just do it. This usually sets the tone for the day. I also love it when we come in from lunch recess. We all go to the carpet and I read a chapter from whatever the current book we are reading.

8. What is the last book you read out loud?
I’m reading “A Dog Called Kitty” by Bill Wallace to the class. They seem to really like it. I read just a chapter a day, and at the end of each chapter, they say, “AWWW!” because they want me to continue. I love that they’re so interested in the story.

9. What is the last book you read to yourself?
I’m reading “The Boleyn Inheritance” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” at the same time. My 7-year old just finished “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”, so now I’m reading it so that we can compare notes.

10. What is the funniest thing a child has said/done in your class?
My parents came to visit one day, and the children were surprised to see them. One boy asked if they came from heaven. Not understanding the question, I said they were visiting from Vallejo. Then another child said, “But they should be gone because you are so old!” That’s when I turned to the boy and asked, “Is THAT what you meant?!”

11. What do you do in your spare time?
I spend all my time with my three boys and husband. My boys are seven, five, and almost 1-year old. We visit family, go to different festivals, go to the farmer’s market, and do things like that. I also try to get some reading in, as well. I love to read when I have time.

12. What achievement are you most proud of?
I am most proud of raising three boys!

13. What is the single best piece of advice you can give parents of a first grader?
Read to your child. Better yet, have them read to you. Reading is everywhere, not just in the 1½ hour designated reading block. It’s in math, science, social studies… everywhere! They will need to know how to read to succeed.

14. How do you recommend doing homework in the first grade?
We assign homework on Monday and it is due back on Thursday. I would suggest doing a little everyday; don’t cram it all in on Wednesday night. This sets up good study habits that they can take with them to high school and beyond.

15. Do you have any other tips about how to be a great first grader?
Have fun and respect your friends and teachers. And when your friends say no, they really mean no.

16. Do you have any websites you recommend to first graders?
I recommend www.starfall.com as a good site. Another good one is www.kids.nationalgeographic.com.

17. Do you have any healthy lunch tips?
Yes. Don’t send soda to school for lunch