If you asked me to sum up what I’ve learned as a child, I would tell you this ... always be honest, try to do the right thing by making the best decision, hold your code of morals and values to its highest standard always, be strong, be independent, believe in yourself, work hard, be nice, and save your money.

So...that's what I did. I grew up living that way. and after working in hair salons (and a cruise ship), I studied hard for the next ten years to attain my certifications and my degrees. I've been teaching now for thirteen years, and have served many disabled children of a wide range.

Those years weren’t quite so breeze-easy though. I was diagnosed with two separate cancers before the age of thirty, and then another at age 39. Ugh! All better now though, thank God!

But most of all, I love being an auntie to my two little cutie-pa-tooties. They are my little loves! And just as my students have taught me, they too have, more than any textbook ever could, what it is that all children need! LOVE! LOVE! and more LOVE!

Just as we all have, I've learned much about life through my experiences, good and bad. I was fortunate enough to have many opportunities that turned into teachable moments...the key though, is paying attention to them.