I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and moved to Westminster, Maryland when I was in first grade. I went through all the Westminster schools, Westminster Elementary, West Middle, Westminster High School, and graduated college from Stevenson University with my bachelors in Elementary Education. I teach 5th grade at Mechanicsville Elementary and coach varsity girls’ basketball at Century High School. I am really close with my family and love spending time with them. I am getting married November 5th to my fiancé Keon and we have a dog named Jax. I love staying active, so I run, play basketball and softball, traveling, and spending time with family or friends. Faith is big in my family and one of the best experiences I have had was doing a mission trip to Haiti to share the love of God. I am a huge Pittsburgh fan, Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. I am big on cooking and love trying new recipes while still putting my own touch on things!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family. Include your pets too!
Fiance Keon, dog Jax, parents MaryBeth and Frank
Q: What is one of your favorite quotes or lines in a song and why does it resonate with you?
“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” -John Wooden. It is easy to focus on things that you cannot control in life; the way people treat you, what happens to you, the cards you are dealt. This quote reminds me to focus on what I can control and make the best of it. If you work hard and keep pushing forward, good things will come.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a 5th grade teacher at Mechanicsville Elementary School. My favorite thing about teaching is that I get to have an impact on so many young lives while being changed myself. Every day you get to have a positive impact on student lives, but they are impacting you just as much.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My advice to people would be to live in the moment and lead with love. It is easy to get caught up in day to day activities and lose sight of the many joys in life. With so much hate, loving yourself and loving others is the only way to spread positivity. Everyone is facing their own challenge and being supportive through it all shows grace and compassion.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite places or events in our community? What is something unique about our community?
My favorite event is the strawberry festival that is held at the Gamber Fire Hall. I attended this past spring for the first time and loved it! There are so many great vendors and activities. One unique thing about the community is that you always see someone you know no matter where you go. Everyone is friendly and it is always great to catch up with someone you haven’t seen in awhile.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Westminster or looking to move to Westminster?
I would say to get outside of your comfort zone and meet new people. There are so many amazing people in this community who can become lifelong friends.
Q: What 3 words come to mind when you think of Westminster?
Community, Tightknit, Opportunities
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I love food so I would say a great dinner would be a 10 out of 10. My parents are amazing cooks so anything they make! I also love a good bowl of spaghetti and meatballs from Fratelli’s or the meatballs from Genovas!
Q: Tell us about your bucket list.
1. Skydiving 2. Go to Australia 3. Go to the Superbowl to watch the Steelers 4. Visit all 50 States 5. Stay at the beach for the entire summer 6. Take a trip around the world 7. Own a Mustang Convertible 8. Go on a game show, preferably Family Feud with Steve Harvey
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Even though I am terrible at dancing, I can do the worm, although all the kids at school know this!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My fiancé, my parents, my grandmother, and my students. The all push me to be my best and make me want to be the best version of myself.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would choose Michael Jordan my favorite athlete, Joe Gatto I love Impractical Jokers, Emma Watson Harry Potter is my fav, and Zendaya I love Greatest Showman and she is amazing all around. I would take them to Paradiso because the food is amazing!
Q: Who in Westminster should be featured on The Faces Of Westminster MD and why?
Miles Taylor, he is so inspirational and just an overall amazing human being!
Q: Finally, how can our readers and I know if someone we come in contact with is a good connection for you or a good person for you to meet?
I love meeting all types of people and love making connections with people who just enjoy life! Anyone who is positive, loves being social, I talk a lot, and just wants to meet someone new would be a great fit for me!
