Having begun my career with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, I am excited to be entering my fifth year with the CCS community and my 16th year as an educator. I have experience teaching Kindergarten and 1st Grade, serving as a K–5 Academic Literacy Facilitator, and providing reading intervention support for students in grades K–5. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University in 2011—Go Mountaineers! In 2016, I received my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction (K–12) from Gardner-Webb University. I am married to my high school sweetheart, and together we have two boys, a dog, and a flock of chickens. One of my favorite quotes, often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, is: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” This quote reflects my philosophy of education: meaningful learning happens when students are actively engaged and can apply their experiences in ways that inspire action and growth.