I am excited to begin my seventh year teaching music in the Ankeny schools!  I teach fifth-grade band at Ashland Ridge, Northeast and Southeast Elementary Schools.  I graduated from Iowa State University in 2002 with a degree in Music Education, K-12 certification.  During my time at ISU I was active in the ISU marching band, wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, flute choir and sang in the women's choir.   I have played the flute for 17 years and can't imagine playing anything else!  In fact, as a child I always wanted to play the flute.  And yes, I do know how to play all the instruments!

In high school I was involved in concert band, marching band and color guard and was a member of the Iowa All-State Band.  I loved taking 13 years of ballet, jazz and tap dancing.  I was also a member of the school swim team where I swam breast stroke and freestyle.  One of my favorite classes was art, I loved creating sculptures and pottery.   I was also a contestant in the 1998 Jr. Miss of Iowa Pageant, where I won the physical fitness category. 

I grew up in Norwalk, Iowa.  I have one younger brother and two cats, Yoshi and Purrcilla.  I love all mexican food and my favorite color is yellow.  In my free time I enjoy walking, swimming, and shopping.  My favorite store is The Gap.