- Positions:Culinary arts teacher, Department chair for career and technical education and Skills USA culinary advisor
- Bachelors/Degrees & from where: Bachelor of Science, major in agricultural development and production system and a minor in education, Stephen F Austin State University
- School Activities: Coaching Skills USA Culinary Team
- Years at Caney Creek: 13
- Years Teaching: 15
How would other people describe you?
Energetic, helpful, and kind hearted.
Was there a career you wanted to pursue OR pursued before teaching.
Yes, I got a job with Pilgrims Prime to open up poultry manufacturing around the United States.
Tell us about how you got into teaching.
I’m a third generation teacher. It was always something that was in the back of my mind. I mean, there were days where my mom would come home and tell her stories and it would make me think that is not something that I want to go through but now I am not imagining anything, I like working with young adults.
What do you do outside of school for fun? Why?
I’m a mom of three. So although I always think this weekend I’m going to take a nap and rest . I am always waking up in the morning thinking, what kind of fun can we have? So we travel to visit family and we travel to go to zoos, aquariums or parks.
When people get to know you, what are they most surprised to learn about you?
That I grew up on a farm. I’m a certified vet assistant, I’m a Texas master florist, so it’s just very different and now I’m learning to be a chef.
Tell us the story about what you are most proud of yourself for.
Becoming a mom. I still wake up and think, I don’t know if I can do it because I want to be the best.
Who is someone you are thankful for and why?
I’m thankful for my husband. He’s my best friend and my number one cheerleader and supports me in every way.
What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career similar to yours?
I say this to anyone who thinks they want to do anything, you need to find someone who’s doing it, and you need to ask them questions. You need to find out, not from Google, not asking AI, but talking to real human beings with the job that you think you want. Ask them what are the benefits, what are some of the downsides of what education. Don’t be surprised down the road, when you’re already on that track. Make sure you do all your research. If possible, do an internship. If someone wanted to be a teacher, I would invite them to come spend the day with me.
What do you hope to be remembered for?
That I cared. I care about my students, my family, about the work that I do. Try to maintain my integrity and try the best that I can, not afraid to say that I’m wrong, or that I messed up.
What’s on your bucket list?
Travel and I’m looking forward to 10 years from now, being a stronger culinary arts teacher, hopefully a chef with experience. Just looking forward to being able to educate better, like Teach based on experience.
Favorites
- Food: Tex-mex
- Song: Eye of The Tiger-Survivor
- Movie: Braveheart
- Book: The Bible
- Color: Sunshine yellow
