Native to Oconee County, I was raised on my family’s beef cattle farm, Tokeena Angus, in the Fairplay area of Oconee County. I gained a strong work-ethic and values through a “hands-on” education that farm-life teaches young people. After graduating Walhalla High School, I earned my Associates Degree from Tri-County Technical College in the medical field before then earning a Bachelors, Masters degree and a SC teaching certificate from Clemson University leading me into a teaching career. In 2007, I began my teaching career at Aiken High School where I taught Agricultural Education and served as the FFA Advisor for 6 years. During my 6 years at Aiken High School, I led many students to state and national level awards such as State FFA Officer positions, FFA Career Development Events (competitions) as well asI believe teachers choose to enter the profession because of the influence a teacher may have had in their life.

In 2014, I earned my Doctorate Degree in Agricultural and Extension Education from NC State University where I completed dissertation research on teacher retention and gained insight to why teachers leave the classroom.

In 2017, I entered a corporate career as the Business Development Director for a construction company which taught processes and procedures required of a school district when considering a large scale capital project.

My husband, Jared and I live in Mountain Rest and we have 2 dogs, Smurf and Molly. In my spare time, you can find me volunteering for our community, working cattle on the farm, paddle boarding the lake and spending time with friends and family.