Bio:
I grew up in a military family, so moving around and experiencing different cultures was a big part of my childhood. I’ve lived in places like Germany and California, and along the way I picked up a little bit of German and Spanish. My mother retired from the Navy, and my father retired from the Army, so service and discipline were very much a part of my upbringing. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Political Science, followed by a master’s in Healthcare Administration, and another master’s in Elementary Education. Currently, I work in the mental health field as an Aggression Replacement Teacher, where I get to help students develop positive coping skills and strategies. My husband is also a veteran he served four combat tours (three in Iraq and one in Afghanistan). Together, we have three wonderful children who keep us very busy and bring so much joy to our lives. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, listening to music, exploring DJing, and coaching cheerleading.

What inspired you to become a Family Ambassador?

Becoming a Family Ambassador felt natural because it’s what I was already doing showing up, volunteering, and supporting wherever needed. With two children who have IEPs and one in AIG, I’ve seen firsthand how every student needs something unique to succeed. I’ve helped during testing, cultural days, and school events, and realized the best way to support our schools is to be present and available. As both a former teacher and a parent, I understand the challenges on both sides. That’s what inspired me to serve as a bridge between home and school, and to be an advocate, communicator, and partner for our families and staff.

What are you most excited about in this role?

What excites me most about this role is the advocacy and impact being able to provide parents with accurate resources, links, and guidance while also showing up consistently for the school. I’m there so often that people are surprised I don’t actually work at the school, and I think that visibility shows families the true value of being present. For me, it’s a blessing to volunteer, advocate, and be a positive role model while highlighting how important family engagement is in Cumberland County Schools.

Fun Facts - Share a fun or surprising fact about yourself

A fun fact about me is that I’m originally from Colorado, coach three cheer teams, and most people are surprised to learn that I speak a little German.

What's one thing you love about being involved with your school community?

One thing I love about being involved in the community is the impact it has on both families and my own children. As they get older, they see that I manage a full-time job, coach three teams, and still make time to volunteer and learn about county resources to share with others. I think they’re most surprised I’ve been able to do this for so long with such a busy schedule, and that makes the effort even more meaningful.

• Cumberland Family Academy Homepage

• Family Ambassador Program Homepage

• Family Ambassador Directory Landing Page