I noticed there were not many male teachers in the early childhood education field, so I decided to give it a try—and it has become a meaningful career for me. I am currently working toward my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Since joining New Horizon Academy, I have become more confident and intentional in my teaching. I use observation and assessment more effectively, communicate more openly with families and teammates, and plan my lessons with each child’s individual needs in mind. I have also grown from a Lead Teacher into a Mentor Teacher and have taken on the additional responsibility of serving as my school’s safety person. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is something simple but meaningful—the hugs from my students! I also enjoy going to the library and bringing in new books for the children to explore, helping them make real-world connections beyond the classroom. I am proud of how much I have grown and of the positive role I can play in the lives of my students.

I have always been inspired to teach young children, and with an Associate’s Degree and more than three decades of experience in early childhood education, I have had the opportunity to grow through many different roles throughout my career. I began as a Toddler Teacher in 1991 and have since worked with every age group, from infants to school-age children. Over the years, I have served as a director at three centers, worked as a staff recruiter at the corporate level, and taught music at Kinderberry Hill for several years before returning to the classroom. Today, I am proud to be a School Age Teacher and Onboarding Mentor Teacher at New Horizon Academy in East Apple Valley. In my mentor role, I onboard new staff and have the rewarding opportunity to advise, train, and support other great NHA teachers as they begin their own journeys. I have even had the opportunity to support another center that did not yet have a Mentor Teacher. Beyond my teaching and mentoring responsibilities, I enjoy helping create a sense of community by making sure everyone’s birthday is recognized. I am proud to have earned the respect and trust of both management and my fellow staff members, and I value the opportunity to use my years of experience to support the children, teachers, and school community around me.

I love watching children grow, and I especially love how much I get to learn from them along the way. Although I earned my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, my career at New Horizon Academy has helped shape me in so many ways. Working with children helps me stay in tune with the changes and unique qualities of each new generation that comes through NHA. I have grown from a Preschool Teacher to an Onboarding Mentor Teacher, which has given me the opportunity to interact with teachers throughout the school and see the wonderful things they are doing in their classrooms. I love the challenge of thinking outside the box and being part of a team that is just as passionate about their careers as I am. One of my greatest contributions is simply being genuinely present for my school family—I am always willing to step in and help anyone, anytime. I am incredibly proud of my co-teacher and our management team, and I am especially proud to be part of a team that continues to care for and support one another even when differences arise. To me, NHA is a place that shows up for everyone and strives to make each person feel welcomed, valued, and equal.