As I start my 5th year at Martin and after 20 years in education, I find that many questions from students have changed very little. Concerns about college and career choices, prom dates, graduation antics, lunch with friends and anxiety about leaving friends behind still dominate students' thoughts.

On a personal note, I spent the last half of the 70's at Texas A&M University, where I enjoyed the privilege of earning a BS in education, a MS in Counseling, and one of my favorite titles - Mrs. (the degree in which I take the most pride and have invested the most time and energy). I have two children and a dog -- and never quite enough books to read or vacation time to travel!

This is my 32nd year in education (all in Arlington), my 24th year at Martin and my 25th year as a counselor. My husband Allen and I have been married 35 years. We have two sons, Brent and Mark. We enjoy traveling and riding my husband's Harley.

Enjoying a career of 26 years in Arlington ISD, I have found that every year presents a new set of challenges that allows me to grow both personally and professionally. As a counselor, I assist students in coping with day-to-day decision-making processes and pressures involved with school, home, and society. In addition, I see myself as a resource for helping students focus on the tasks and skills associated with academics and post-high school opportunities. Most of all, I strive to instill in students the importance of becoming responsible, self-sufficient young adults.

Following my high school graduation (Corpus Christi), I attended Texas Tech University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Psychology. While teaching and coaching at Carter Jr. High, I continued my education, earning a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of North Texas. I began my counseling career at Boles Jr. High, followed by my current tenure at Martin High School.

I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my three adorable, yet VERY challenging dogs!!! I love the great outdoors and all the fun it brings…especially fishing, cooking out, camping, and yes, even yard work!

I was a charter member of the Martin High School faculty biology and psychology. I have been a counselor here since 1996. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in psychology. I have a masters in counseling from the University of North Texas. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my daughter, husband, and Siberian husky.

I've worked at various levels of educations before coming to Martin in 1997, an elementary teacher, gifted elementary specialist, as well as both an elementary and junior high counselor. Besides having two wonderful children, Alex and Ariana, I have a country lifestyle outside of MHS complete with cattle, horses, chickens, and goats.

After I graduated from Penn State, I taught English in Pennsylvania, Virginia and New Jersey. I stayed at home for several years raising my four sons who are now all Aggies. When I returned to education, I taught at Turning Point Junior High while I worked on my MEd from the University of North Texas. I was a counselor at Boles Junior High before I moved to Martin three years ago. I enjoy life as a Warrior, reading, and raising Persian cats, as anyone can tell who has come to my office.

Where to begin? I've been in education for 14 years and this is my 6th year at Martin. Before coming to Martin, I was a counselor and teacher at Lamar for 8 years.

I have a Jack Russell Terrier named Max and he is the greatest! I also have a son, daughter and 5 grandchildren who keep me very busy.