Ever since I was a young girl, people told me I would make a great teacher. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what they saw in me, but looking back, I realize it was the joy I found in helping others learn and grow. From babysitting at the age of eight to teaching the younger kids in church, I was always drawn to the idea of making a difference in someone’s life.

My own early experiences in school were a mix of quiet struggles and personal discoveries. I vividly remember the frustration of trying to tell people my name when I couldn't pronounce my 's' sound correctly and the awe of seeing the world clearly for the first time after getting glasses in third grade. These moments of frustration and realization shaped me into a student who was quiet and careful, always striving to do the right thing but often hesitant to speak up. Yet, they also planted the seeds of empathy and understanding that would later become the foundation of my teaching philosophy.

After earning my teaching degree, I began my career at a Hutterite Colony, where I quickly learned that teaching is about more than just lessons in reading or math—it's about connecting with students on a human level. One of my most memorable experiences was turning a disciplinary moment into a mock court hearing, where my students applied their lessons in government to real life. It was in that moment that I realized how powerful relevant, real-world learning can be. The experience solidified my belief that teaching should meet students where they are, using creative and meaningful ways to engage them.

Over the years, my passion for helping students overcome challenges led me to further my education and training. Alongside a couple of dedicated colleagues, I earned my Masters in Administration and trained in the Orton-Gillingham and Lindamood-Bell strategies to help struggling readers. Working in a school with over 90% Native American students, we were determined to help every child succeed. Watching students who once resisted learning make incredible progress and meet their reading goals was nothing short of inspiring. Those students continued to stay in touch, often stopping by my classroom for support even after moving on to high school. Their trust and growth are some of my proudest achievements.

As the world changed, so did my approach to teaching. Transitioning from in-person teaching to online tutoring was a new challenge, but one that I embraced fully. The flexibility of online tutoring with Koala Go has enabled me to engage with students in real-time, using interactive tools and activities that make learning both fun and effective. Through this platform, I've been able to reach students far beyond my local community, helping them learn to read and spell with confidence.

With over 23 years of teaching and tutoring experience, both in-person and online, I've learned that success in education isn't just about mastering a subject—it's about instilling confidence, fostering a love of learning, and helping students realize their potential. I look forward to continuing this journey, helping each student I work with reach new heights and achieve their own success stories.