Board Member Bios

Home Parish: Holy Cross - Champaign, IL

Home School: Holy Cross Catholic School

Family:

I have been married to my wonderful husband Jacques for over 20 years. We have two amazing children, Jackson who is 19 and Olivia who is 15.  I was born and raised in Champaign and have attended Holy Cross my entire life. I also attended school here, along with my siblings as well as my mother and her siblings. I attended the University of Illinois and received my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a concentration in Child Development. I then attended Western Florida University to receive my teaching certification. After which I attended Grand Canyon University to get my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. I have been teaching young children for over 25 years. 

Reasons for serving on the FIRE Foundation Board:

My passion for inclusion in catholic schools started as a parent. Both of my children have diagnosed disabilities, and I was constantly fighting for my son and daughter to get the accommodations that they needed while still being able to receive a catholic education. And then 2 years ago I had my first class that had multiple students with different learning needs. This year those students are now in my class again and I have come to realize how much of a better teacher I have become since teaching them. Being an inclusive classroom has not only changed the way I approach teaching but has also taught all the students how to be more compassionate and caring about others, especially those who learn in different ways. I want other catholic educators to understand that God's plan is a catholic education for all of his children no matter what their abilities are.