I was born and raised in Carbondale, Illinois.  I graduated from University School and High School, and also, Southern Illinois University.  My degree is Early Childhood Education with certification in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I have taught in public schools (Remedial Math, Kindergarten, and Pre-School).  And I have also taught in private schools as a teacher/director of a pre-school and as a teacher at an alternative Kindergarten).

I am a single parent, a widow, who has twin boys (Mark and Shawn), who are in high school.  Our lives are exciting and I must say we never have a  dull moment and I sure do love my family with a passion.  I feel fortunate to have extended families here in Salem, at work, at my church, and in my neighborhood, for most of my family are in Carbondale or my late husband's (Ed) family are in Chicago.

When I am at school, I teach in the computer lab, work in the library doing everything, and coach for Scholar Bowl during its season.  I can be found at other times, watching my sons at sporting events, at church, outdoors for I have a fondness for nature, or at my home reading a good book or listening and probably singing along to music.