I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, where I learned the importance of hard work and education.

For fifteen years, I served as a preschool teacher, working with children from ages birth to preschool. Through my work as a preschool teacher, I came to appreciate the importance of students and teachers having a strong foundation in literacy. While working as a preschool teacher,I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from North Carolina Central University.

I began working for Motheread Inc. in 1999 and served as a literacy facilitator for 20 years. During my tenure at Motheread Inc., I consulted and trained childcare teachers in North Carolina. I also conducted trainings throughout the United States and islands in the South Pacific. These trainings took place in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, community colleges, libraries, Head Start, and parent education programs. In addition, I have provided over 100 parenting and literacy classes to incarcerated women.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my husband of 34 years, Andrew, and children, Chassidy and Zachary. I also enjoy cooking, baking, cycling, working out, and taking long walks.