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First, tell me more about yourself.

I live in Helena with my husband, Forrest, and two-year-old son, Ford. I have my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in P-12 Instrumental Music Education from Troy University. I also spent three summers/six weeks/240 hours completing all three levels of Orff-Schulwerk certification in order to become a fully-certified Orff-Schulwerk educator. I have the world’s most magical job, and it’s a rare day for you to find me in anything that isn’t sparkly, glittery or bejeweled!

What was your reaction to being named the county’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year?

As the video played that announced me as Shelby County’s Elementary TOY, I sat there in shock. I looked over at my amazing administrators, and they just smiled and nodded their heads at me proudly — it was real! I watched the video with administrators, colleagues and students talking about me, and couldn’t help but cry. I am just so incredibly grateful to work in a county where music teachers are seen as more than “just a break.” We are valued members of our schools and seen as “real” educators.

What sparked your interest in teaching music?

I knew in second grade that I wanted to be a teacher because I wanted to teach kids to read. I remember thinking how incredible it was that my teachers had taught me this incredible skill that opened up new worlds through books. My mother was our church choir director, so also I grew up singing and being immersed in the world of music. When I joined band and began playing the oboe in middle school, I realized that I wanted to teach music; I could still teach kids to read, but to read music! I’d get the best of both worlds– that of education, and that of the music I loved so much. I had many people tell me I was “wasting my talent,” and should perform instead, or teach at the high school or collegiate level. I’m so glad I followed my heart and where I knew God was leading me!

Do you have a message you would like to say to the Helena community?

Thank you so much for all of your support over the years and for sharing your precious children with me! Being able to sing, dance and play with them each day is a privilege. If you haven’t heard it lately, your kids are amazing! Did you know that in kindergarten-second grade, they can read music, play instruments, write their own music, improvise on various instruments, sing beautifully, memorize dances and make their music teacher laugh on a daily basis? There is so much more to music class than “just singing,” and I love discussing the amazing benefits of music education if you’re ever curious. My favorite quote about music education is, “The fact that children can make beautiful music is less significant than the fact that music can make beautiful children” (Cheryl Lavender). I am blessed to be able to witness this every day, and am so thankful for the wonderful community we live in!