I was born in Washington D.C., October 21st, 1961, as one of the 1st 50 babies having had the vacuum device used. (So now you know why I am the way I am). I was born into a military family, and so soon moved to Houston, Texas where my father had been transferred. Before my 1st birthday, my father abandoned my mother and me. My mom tried "life on her own" by going back to work and hiring a many for my care, but eventually we moved back to Ohio where my mother had grown up. My maternal grandmother had an integral part of contributing to who I am today because she cared for me while my mom worked. When I was four, my mom got re-married to the man who would become my dad and who had two boys of his own. When I was 7 years old, my dad and mom had my little sister Crissy making us a "yours, mine and ours" family.

My school years were full of moves. I went to 12 different schools before graduating from Monrovia High School. Because of this, I've always had a heart for those kids we call gypsies or transients - the ones that often fall through the cracks, who feel insecure in each new environment, under-confident in class, usually not the "favorites" but the frustration of teachers, nor the first picked for childhood activities.

Since I was a little girlI wanted to be a teacher--one that loved each student for the special person that God has made him or her to be. Coach Greer did that for me. I can't even give you specific examples but he is one of the joyful teacher's face I can still see. (Read "Thank You, Mr. Falker" by: Patricia Polacco.)

I met Eddie in February 1982, on a blind date. We were married by November 1982. Eddie is now a 2nd grade teacher in Azusa, but we have had many adventures up until now. Eddie and I started our life together by having our first adventure: a Strawberry farm in the Dominican Republic in 1983-1984. While there we came in contact with New Horizons Youth Ministries from the USA and Canada, where I would become a secretary and we would take part in ministering to troubled youth. This was a last resort for teens that were heading down a road of destruction. Little did I know this would minister to me as well.

We served for 3 years with New Tribes Mission - at the very school where Eddie grew up-as teachers, dorm parents, cooks, High School Advisors, and various other tasks. (Our 3rd child Jenny was born in Bolivia during that time).

We have four amazing children, Kristopher 24; served 6 years in the US Navy, the last four on the USS George Washington in Japan, Rachel 22; attending Sacramento State University completing her last year as a double major in Business and Photography, Jennifer 18; High School Graduate 2012 getting ready to attend Citrus College where Rachel and I both received our AA's, and Emily; 15 still attending Glendora High School.

When Kris was 3 years old and Rachel 1 years old, my biological father came back into my life for the first time. I found out I had two sisters, Tomoko and Denise and another brother John.

It took me 11 years to finish Citrus College where I received an AA in Social and Behavioral Science, and after 4 years at APU, I earned a BA in Human Development, my teaching credential, and a Masters in Education. After subbing in several districts, I started teaching in Glendora Unified School District and have taught K (1 yr), 1st (10 yrs.) and will be teaching 2nd grade for my first time this year.