Born and raised in the Silver Valley. She holds an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction with a STEM education emphasis from Boise State University (2020), an M.A. in curriculum and instruction with a bilingual education emphasis from Boise State University (2005), and a B.A. in elementary education (K-8) with a bilingual education emphasis from Boise State University (2002). She is a recipient of the Boise State University Distinguished Alumni award (2021), the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights Idaho Human Rights Educator of the Year award (2020), the National Education Association Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence National Teacher of the Year (2017), and the Industry’s Excellent Educators Dedicated to STEM (INDEEDS) Award (2016).
