Degrees Obtained: Bachelors in Drama from West Texas A&M University, Canyon; Masters in Catholic School Administration from Loyola Marymount, Los Angeles. Teaching credentials in Elementary Education, Secondary Psychology and Mathematics
Spouse’s Name: None
Children: None
Why do you teach at a Catholic School, compared to a Public School? “I am a product of Catholic Schools. Originally from Pampa, I attended St. Vincent de Paul School, then returned there to teach and served as principal before moving to Los Angeles. I believe in Catholic Schools because they give you more than an academic foundation. They give you a foundation you can build a life upon…they give you a foundation of faith.”
Why are Catholic Schools important? “Catholic Schools are Christ centered. He is the foundation on which we base all our teaching. When children are taught to have Christ as the center of their lives, then no matter what they may face in life, there will be a strength and purpose that will serve them in uncertain times.”
What is your philosophy when it comes to the classroom? “All students have the potential to learn, each at different rates and with different abilities. It is my duty as teacher to unlock that potential and provide a variety of opportunities for each child to meet success on his own terms.”
Hobbies: Horses (I have worked as an equine body worker, massage and physical therapies with horses) and reading
Favorite Television Show(s): NCIS and old movies on Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
Favorite Book(s): Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Jane Eyre, Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series by Laurie King, and the Trixie Beldon series from my childhood. I am having an adventure in collecting the old books and recreating my collection.
If you had chosen another career path, what would it have been? “I would have been a large animal vet.”
If you were Superintendent for a day, what would you do? “I would conduct a Catholic Schools Rally for all the schools within the diocese. It would be a full day beginning with Mass, then a picnic and games for the families and students, and perhaps ending with a Christian Concert. There are so many activities during Catholic Schools Week, but they sometimes lose the spirit of our Catholic Identity. We need to come together in the Spirit.”