–I’m a Southern California girl who grew up in Culver City which is near the ocean and where many of the major motion picture studios were located.  (Movies were not made in Hollywood, they were made in Culver City!)–I love eating all kinds of food, especially if someone else prepares it for me.  So of course I love going to restaurants and BBQs. –My least favorite food is anything that is too spicy.  I prefer mild. –Some unique things about me:  Family and music are my passions.  I am the oldest of nine children and 5 foster children.  I have a very supportive husband, 5 amazing children, and 14 absolutely adorable grandchildren.  I teach piano lessons after school everyday.  I have given organ recitals at the Cathedral of the Madeline in Salt Lake City performing Bach’s music. –My favorite subject to teach is math to first graders.  I love seeing their awesome strategies surface and their understanding increase as they use manipulatives to figure out complex problems. –My favorite teacher was my mother.  Our home was filled with hundreds of books and she read to us everyday. –I chose to be a teacher because I love children, I love being creative, and I love making a difference in the lives of others. –I hope my students remember that learning is fun and that they can do hard things.  And, of course, I hope my students remember that I love them and that I am so proud of them and what they have accomplished in first grade.