Question: Where did you get your degree(s)?
Answer: I got my B.S.Ed in Secondary Mathematics and M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Georgia Southwestern State University. I got my Ed.S from Georgia College and State University
Question: Where have you taught? And for how long did you teach?
Answer: I started my first year of teaching at Crisp County High School in Cordele. Then, I taught at Houston County High School in Warner Robins for 13 years. In total, I taught high school classes ranging from AP Calculus BC to remedial math for 14 years.
Question: When did you first know you wanted to be an educator?
Answer: I knew I wanted to be an educator when I was a senior in high school. I had wonderful teachers throughout my educational career and had some phenomenal teachers along the way.
Question: What inspired you to become a principal?
Answer: I always wanted to be a principal when I decided to go into education. I enjoy being able to help others and also feel as a principal, I can impact others in a positive way.
Question: What is your own vision/mission for the school under your leadership, especially during these uncertain times?
Answer: It is important that we are resilient in our resolve to educate our children in our community. We may not be able to predict the future, however, we are in control of the present. Our children are our community's investment and it is essential that we educate our children to be resilient, to have a strong work ethic, and to strive for success. This is especially important during these uncertain times. We need to model for our children that success is attainable if you work hard to overcome any obstacles that come along your way.
Question: What most impresses you about your students and Glynn County Schools?
Answer: I like the close knit community that is found in Glynn County. The students are friendly to others and the school system is very supportive of all its stakeholders. It is nice to be a part of a school system where you feel that your voice can be heard.
Question: What are your expectations for not only your staff and students but yourself as well?
Answer: My expectations are that we work hard as a group to provide a positive educational experience for our students and stakeholders. So that means that we show customer service and treat others as we would want to be treated. Also, it is important that everyone is treated fairly and with equity. The most important job we hold is educating our children so that our community will continue to flourish and grow in the future.
Question: What does student success look like for you?
Answer: Student success is when a student walks away realizing that he/she has grown from their experiences. Student success should not always be measured by a grade or numerical value. Success comes in all types that are specific to each individual child and it is not limited to academics. As far as academics go, it is important that we teach our students to take academic risks in order to grow and gain the confidence to tackle any challenge. Student success requires hard work, and it is important that our students understand that they must be motivated, dedicated, show patience, and have a positive attitude as they are working towards achieving their individual success.
Question: Outside of school, where might students, parents or staff members run into you?
Answer: They may run into me at Disney World, at a local restaurant, at the beach, or at the local boxing gym downtown.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Answer: I am excited to be the principal of Risley Middle School and a part of the Wildcat family! I look forward to seeing the amazing things that my teachers and students will do.