I began my career working at a private school for students with exceptional needs. Then, I moved to South Carolina where I taught PreK, 1st, and 2nd grades to students. Many of those students were bilingual, most were from families in poverty, and others had various learning patterns. From South Carolina I moved back home to Ohio where I will stay. I've taught first grade in a low-socioeconomic area and dealt with wounded and at-risk students dealing with so much at home that academics were second to love and safety. I now am in a role as a reading specialist, focusing on teaching 4th and 5th grade students of varying reading levels phonics skills that will help them continue to find success in reading.