Teaching is what I was born to do. I believe I was called to be a MOM and to TEACH…
Why did you decide to enter the field of juvenile justice?
My Bachelor’s degree is in Deaf Education and I started my career teaching the deaf and then moved to special needs kids. I loved working with these kids and organizing events such as the Special Olympics. About 10 years ago, I had the privilege of doing an internship for my master’s degree here at Gainesville State School. I was hooked! After completion of my master’s degree and principal certification, I waited patiently for a job to open here and as soon as it did, I applied and prayed it would be mine!
What are the biggest differences between being an administrator in public education versus juvenile justice?
Public administrators obviously have more interaction with parents and groups such as cheerleaders and band which bring a unique set of challenges. On the juvenile justice side, I would say a major difference is the way education and the facility must cooperate and work together to ensure a smooth operation. Thankfully, ours is a very strong team!
What do you see as the biggest challenges for juvenile justice education?
Our biggest challenge, is trying to reach our students where they are, when at times there are large educational gaps. We want to give each individual student what they need, and it becomes challenging with students on so many levels and coming in at all different times of the year.
What do you want others to know about your department?
I have the most dedicated group of teachers & staff I have ever worked with in my entire career. These teachers have true servant hearts. They genuinely care about our students and want them to leave us with the social, academic, and vocational skills to accomplish great things. The key is that my teachers truly BELIEVE our students can accomplish great things!
When you are not working, how do you spend your time?
I enjoy spending time with my husband of 28 years and our three children! We have two in college and one is a senior in high school. We love to travel anywhere, but especially to places where I can scuba dive!
What is the best part of your job?
Knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt my students feel that my teachers truly care about them and their future and for the short time they are with us…someone invested in their lives and truly gave their all to show what love and grace look like. We have a small window of time here to not only teach, but to remind our students that this is but one short chapter in the book of their lives…there is so much hope for their future.
What advice would you give to a young educator considering work in the juvenile justice field?
Make sure you talk to people who are doing the type of work you are considering. Don’t go into it lightly. It is not for everyone. It is a true calling and it is not fair to our students to come into their schools and develop relationships with them for just a short period of time and then leave them. They deserve your dedication and commitment. So please pray about it and talk to your family and make sure they feel it is a fit for you as well. You need to feel strongly that this is your mission in life and your ministry! If this is your calling, don’t delay!