With over 20 years of experience in education, I have a proven track record of success in teaching and supporting students of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Starting in 1992, I worked at O'Farrell Community School as a teacher, Master Teacher, and counselor for seventh and eighth graders. During my five years there, I taught History/Literature and Writing classes, developing my skills in curriculum development and classroom management. In 2002, I chose to homeschool my own children, including my daughter Carina who has Down syndrome and my youngest child who was diagnosed with dyslexia. This allowed me to gain extensive knowledge and experience in teaching communication skills, receptive learning techniques, as well as Occupational, Speech, and Physical therapy techniques. I also became proficient in behavior strategies to create a supportive learning environment. Throughout Carina's educational journey, I actively participated in her Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, often leading discussions and writing goals for her. This hands-on involvement deepened my understanding of special education practices and the importance of individualized instruction. In 2016, I joined the El Dorado County Office of Education as a Guest Teacher, establishing myself as a strong and positive presence in the classroom. My effective classroom management skills consistently led to successful learning experiences for my students. When I moved to Oregon, I seamlessly transitioned into a long-term substitute position in middle school language arts. There, I excelled at managing challenging behaviors while fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. In 2024, I expanded my expertise by acquiring endorsements in middle school language arts and special education, along with earning a Master's degree in Special Education. Currently, I proudly serve as the ERC teacher at Leslie Middle School. With a caseload of 18 students ranging from Kindergarten/Preschool levels to grade level in Math, Reading, and Writing, I am dedicated to providing individualized instruction that meets each student's unique needs.