I was born in McKeesport and raised in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania which are both suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.   I moved to Miami after I got married and began teaching in Miami-Dade County Public Schools soon after I arrived.   Most of the intervening years I've spent at Sunset Park Elementary. When I was in first grade, I decided I wanted to become a first-grade teacher.   My determination to achieve that goal never wavered.
   I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania after high school and earned both a Bachelor's degree and a Masters in Education degree there.   During my college summer vacations, I worked in Kennywood Amusement Park to help pay for my education.    Initially, after moving to Miami, I taught first grade at South Miami Elementary then, when Sunset Park was finally built, I took a job teaching first grade there.   Even after all these years, my love for teaching hasn't diminished.   I will continue helping my students to master reading, writing and math.

   Early in my teaching career I joined the Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Sorority for Women Educators.    I am a past president of my chapter and have been a delegate to the state convention several times.   I am still an active member.    I am also a member of the United Teachers of Dade.