FINLEY-OATES

I am in my seventh year as a Special Education Teacher at Finley-Oates elementary school. I currently teach Inclusion and Resource for English Language Arts and Reading, and Math, for both Kindergarten and First Grade. This year I am also a 2^nd grade Inclusion teacher in Mrs. Purser’s classroom, as well as the 2^nd grade Special Education Resource Teacher for English Language Arts and Reading.

This is my seventh year of full-time teaching and I’ve spent all seven years with Bonham at Finley-Oates. Before arriving in Bonham I previously worked as a substitute teacher with the Lewisville ISD for two years where I gained experience in teaching students from elementary to high school age, and in Special Education classes. I also worked for a literacy intervention non-profit, Reading Partners, in Dallas, as an AmeriCorps VISTA member for two years. I enjoyed my experience as a reading center Site Coordinator with Reading Partners where I worked with students, parents, teachers, school staff, businesses, and community volunteers. I was exposed to more of the educational world which helped me decide to pursue a career as a full-time educator in order to make an even bigger impact on the education of children. In college I took adaptive physical education courses, and volunteered for several years with an aquatic program for children with special needs. I also volunteered with Special Olympics, and took several other courses where I created P.E. lesson plans with a group of my peers, and taught at a local elementary school.  

I grew up in The Colony before attending college in Denton at Texas Woman’s University. I have two older brothers who live in the North Texas area, as well as my parents, and other close relatives. I love all animals, and my family has two cats. 

In my downtime I enjoy watching movies, reading, hanging out with my cats, and spending time with my family. I also enjoy spending time crafting and taking pictures.