A Life of Faith, Service, and Teaching | St. Ann School, Stoughton

In 2002, my family and I packed up our lives in Laramie, Wyoming—where my husband, Bill, and I had attended graduate school—and set our sights on Wisconsin. At the time, we were two young professionals with a love for literature, learning, and a calling to serve. We had spent nearly a decade in Wyoming, where our first daughter was born in Riverton, a tiny town on the edge of the Wind River Reservation.

That chapter in Laramie helped shape the foundation of who I am today: a mother, a teacher, a woman of faith—and a lifelong storyteller.

A Foundation Built on Faith and Service

I was raised in Peoria, Illinois, and spent 12 years in Catholic school—yes, complete with the uniform! My early education at St. Vincent de Paul and later at Bergan High School wasn’t just about academics; it was where I learned the values of faith, service, and community.

My parents modeled “service above self” in the most tangible ways. My dad volunteered regularly for school building projects after long workdays, while my mom was a room mother until she became the high school bookkeeper. Their example taught me that giving back is simply part of life—and that lesson stuck.

Finding My Voice Through Writing

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in journalism, and a Master’s in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. Words have always been my passion. After graduate school, I started my career as a reporter for the Laramie Daily Boomerang, followed by an editorial position with the University of Wyoming’s College of Agriculture and Cooperative Extension Service.

In those roles, I learned the power of storytelling—not just to inform, but to connect and inspire.

A New Chapter in Stoughton

When we moved to Stoughton, everything changed. Our daughter Josie started kindergarten at St. Ann’s, and I knew it was time for another shift—this time, toward something more heart-centered.

I stayed home full-time for six years, but I was still at St. Ann’s every day as the recess supervisor. Slowly, the pieces started falling into place. I took on subbing and part-time aide roles, and eventually found my true home as a middle school reading and language arts teacher.

They couldn’t shake me—I was hooked from the moment I walked through those doors.

Teaching as a Calling

What makes St. Ann’s so special? It’s more than just a school—it’s a spirit. From the students and teachers to the leadership of Sr. Gertrude, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit from day one. Josie had originally been on the waitlist for kindergarten, so I never took it for granted that we were offered a spot. In fact, her admission bumped the classroom size up to 27!

As a language arts teacher, I get to do what I love every day: share powerful stories and help students discover their voices through writing. Middle schoolers are my favorite—they’re bursting with energy and full of creativity. My classroom is a space where we explore writing not just as an assignment, but as a craft to be honed.

I treat each student like a writer and myself like their editor. That mindset gives them more personal feedback and helps build confidence in their unique voices.

In reading classes, we often search for the “Christ Figure” in literature or look for ways to build empathy with characters whose lives are very different from our own. The novels I teach—whether classic or contemporary—all center around the power of words and the importance of kindness. And yes, I still get excited to revisit my favorite characters year after year—my students always manage to see something new in them.

Beyond the Classroom

Teaching doesn’t stop when the bell rings. I love connecting with students in the spaces where they truly come alive—Camp Gray retreats, science camp, open gyms, and lock-ins. Last year, I even started a weekly Craft Club during lunch. Watching students express themselves through creativity (without a grade attached!) has been so rewarding.

One of my favorite initiatives is our volunteer partnership with The Playing Field, a Madison-based daycare serving children from diverse backgrounds. Our 8th graders get to mentor and care for younger children—building empathy, leadership skills, and connection. Watching them flourish in that role has been incredibly powerful.

What I Hope They Remember

When my students look back on their time at St. Ann’s, I hope they remember the stories—not just the ones we read together, but the ones we lived and shared. I hope they remember the feeling of being seen, heard, and loved in the classroom and beyond.

Life at Home

When I’m not surrounded by middle schoolers, I’m happiest spending time with my own children:

Josie, our oldest, is a UW-La Crosse grad and now works as an environmental consultant in Madison.

Jackson is finishing his aerospace engineering degree at UW-Madison this December.

Lilly is currently studying abroad in Sweden and will return in January to complete her degree in entomology and organic agriculture at UW-Madison.

Every one of them has found their own way to make a difference—and I couldn’t be prouder.

Final Thoughts

At the heart of everything I do—whether in the classroom, the lunchroom, or the community—is the belief that stories matter. They connect us, teach us, and shape who we become.

At St. Ann’s, I’ve found not just a job, but a vocation. And I’m so grateful to be part of this beautiful, faith-filled community.