I am excited about a new year at Clayton Middle School!  I grew up running around barefoot in the muddy creeks of New Bern fishing, crabbing, and swimming.  After high school, I came to N.C. State to study Zoology.  After graduating I moved to the Colorado mountains where I worked managing a small optical lab, where I made and sold eyeglasses.  I eventually bacame homesick and returned to North Carolina.  Inspired by a thrilling high school class called Coastal Biology, I decided to become a teacher.  I began teacher training at NC State while working in the classroom as a lateral entry teacher.   Over the years I have had the privilage to have been trained in STEM and International Baccalaureate pedagogy.  I strive to bring a rich, challenging, and exiting experience to all of my students in the classroom.  When not teaching, I enjoy gardening, reading, fishing, sailing, and watching N.C. State athletics.