Preschool Faculty and Staff

Academic Background:

• B.S. in Elementary Education, East Central University in Ada, OK

How many years have you been working in education? 23 years

What do you love about Allen? Allen Academy is so much more than a school or an institution of learning. It is a place where educating students goes beyond the classroom and where everyone feels like family.

Other hats you wear or have worn at Allen or previous schools:

• Member of the Continuing Character Education (CCE) Committee
• Campus Safety Committee
• Head of School Search Committee
• Calendar Committee
• 1st grade teacher (Oklahoma)
• 4th grade teacher (Oklahoma)

What are you passionate about? Spending time with my family and teaching.

Interesting Facts about you: 

• I was part of a team that worked at an orphanage in Ukraine in June 2011 and June 2013.
• I’ve been dog-sledding at the top of Punchbowl Glacier in Alaska.
• I enjoy offshore fishing.
• I faced my fears and went parasailing in Jamaica.

Favorite book? Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Favorite quote? “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”  Proverbs

What causes are close to your heart? Program for Humanitarian Aid (PHA) - helping orphans in Ukraine  

Academic Background:

• B.A. in Communication Studies, Sam Houston State University

How many years have you been working in education? 3 years

What do you love about Allen? I love the value Allen places on relationships and the close-knit community feel!

Other hats you wear or have worn at Allen or previous schools:

• Children’s Director EFWB Church 

What are you passionate about? Serving God in all aspects of life whether it’s showing his love and grace to the littles I teach, serving our church, community, or beyond. Being outdoors exploring and enjoying nature. Baseball; watching my boys play a game they love and seeing them learn and grow each season brings me great joy! Teaching-seeing students cultivate a love of learning! 

Favorite book? I don’t even know how to pick just one!  I love to read! I love anything by Ted Dekker 

Favorite quote? “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Gandhi

What causes are close to your heart?

• Bridge of Hope African Ministries
• I am a firm believer and supporter of empowering people out of poverty through education and opportunity. 

If you were a fictional character, who would you be? Hermione Granger; I love to read, can be a bit of a perfectionist and would go to great lengths for my friends. 

If a movie was made about your life, who would play you? Maybe Sandra Bullock, she gives off a good boy mom vibe in The Blind Side.

Academic Background:

• Early Childhood (2 years), Ashworth College 

How many years have you been working in education? I have been at Allen Academy for 22 years.

What do you love about Allen? I believe in who we are and what we value; Allen is an extension to my family and is my second home.

Other hats you wear or have worn at Allen or previous schools:

• I taught computer and art classes, K-6th grade for 5 years
• Jr. high cheerleading sponsor
• Served on the Branding Committee at Allen
• Taught Pre-K at St. .Joseph School

What are you passionate about? Teaching, and watching children learn and grow

Interesting Facts about you:

• I love to read
• I love the Avenger movies!
• I have six grandchildren

Favorite book? Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare and Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Favorite quote? “Life isn’t measured by the breaths that we take but by the moments that take our breath away.” (unknown)

What causes are close to your heart? Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach (open adoption) and St. Jude Children’s Hospital  

If you were a fictional character, who would you be? Hermione Granger from Harry Potter...because she loved to read and learn!

Academic Background:

• B.S. in Education, Texas A&M University
• Kindergarten Specialization
• Gifted and Talented Certification

How many years have you been working in education? 32 years

What do you love about Allen? The thing I love most about Allen is the sense of family.  Everyone works together to make this a great school.  We have helpful parents, wonderful students and hard-working teachers.  I truly enjoy having been a part of the families and getting to see so many former students on a daily basis. It is a great place to raise your children and to be a part of in all aspects. 

Other hats you wear or have worn at Allen or previous schools:

• First Grade Teacher
• Kindergarten Teacher
• Third Grade Teacher
• Mother’s Day Out Director
• Administrative Team 
• Cheer Sponsor
• Preschool Director and Teacher

What are you passionate about? I am passionate about my family both at school and home. I love to exercise and read. I truly enjoy every teaching day and being with all of my small friends.  They bring sunshine and love into each day and their hugs are amazing!

Interesting Facts about you: 

• I grew up in a military family and have lived or traveled to many places.
• I was born in Madrid and recently enjoyed a school trip to areas of Spain over Spring Break.
• I love to travel and enjoy scuba diving with my family. 

Favorite book? I read a book every few days and have many favorites.

Favorite quote? "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass,  it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” by Vivian Greene

What causes are close to your heart? The Alzheimer's Association.  

If you were a fictional character, who would you be? I would be Tigger - full of energy and always ready for a new adventure!

Academic Background:

• Graduated from A&M Consolidated in 2002

What do you love about Allen? That we are one big family!

Other hats you wear or have worn at Allen or previous schools:

• Housekeeping at the Preschool

What are you passionate about? Working with children, spending time with family, and taking care of our cows.

Interesting Facts about you: I am the Assistant Youth Director at my church, love to listen to music and dance, and I love to smile. 

Favorite book? Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Favorite quote? "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Nelson Mandela

What causes are close to your heart? American Cancer Society

If you were a fictional character, who would you be? I would be Cinderella... because she was such a strong character. She was so kind and always had hope, no matter what problems she faced.