Raised in Missouri, I moved to Oklahoma and graduated from Westmoore with honors. I completed a bachelor of science in biology at Emporia State University, Kansas with a minor in mathematics. Moving to Knoxville, I then completed a masters of science in Ecology and Evolution.

While at UT, I taught Biology I & II labs for non-majors as well as genetics labs. After graduation and the birth of my daughter, I taught a preparatory class for the Law School entry exam (LSAT) . I was then hired as adjunct faculty at Northern Oklahoma College - Stillwater for remedial math and science. I also tutored mathematics for Oklahoma State University.

Completing my provisional teaching certification, I was hired as a first year teacher at Crescent public schools to teach high school life sciences and sixth grade math. My other certifications include high school math and physical science.