I have been working at Bellevue Elementary since 1988, when I moved here from Seattle, Washington. I graduated from Central Washington University with educational focuses in early childhood, math, science, special education, and psychology. At Bellevue Elementary I taught first grade for 9 years, and then followed my love of science to become the Engineering & Design Technology teacher for both Bellevue and Carey Elementary Schools. I also facilitate our student leadership council, peer mentoring, and after school robotics. Throughout my Blaine County career I have also engaged in many "extra curricular" activities. I was given the amazing opportunity to work for NASA for 5 years as a published scientific writer, and educational liaison as well as work on site with the astronauts and scientists at the NASA Glenn Research Center and NASA Huntsville Space Center. This exciting experience inspired me to infuse my entire Tech lab, and the kids with the wonders and adventure of space. I also worked closely with the Idaho National Laboratory; and with the International Technology Education Association, I was a conference speaker, and full time writer and photographer for an engineering tech magazine. I have received several teaching awards from the local, state, and national levels; but the best awards for me are the giant smiles and squeals of excitement of discovery from the kids. My main goal in teaching is to find what sparks their excitement to learn about EVERYTHING; not just tech...and then supply them the fuel so their learning can catch fire. It's a pretty great way to spend each day! :)