I have been happily married for over 19 years to "Mr. Shack," a forever nerd, gamer, athlete, prankster, and much-loved science and STEM teacher here at GMS. We have two soccer-playing mini Shacks --Kylie, a sophomore at GOHS and Connor, an 8th grader-- both current and former Grizzlies, as well. We love cross-country road trips, spending time with family and friends, rockin' out via Beatles Rock Band, and playing with our three dogs-- Mojo the boxer, Fancy the (westie terrier?) mutt and our beloved (and naughty!) boxer puppy, Moxie, the latest addition to our family. 

I attended Point Loma Nazarene University and have enjoyed working with kids in a variety of settings for nearly 20 years. In my younger years (before college), two of my favorite jobs were working as an Emergency Medical Technician at a Rescue Squad and serving as a live-in nanny for five kiddos, all under the age of 10. I am the second oldest of seven children and was born in raised in South Jersey.

I enjoy all types of arts and crafts and have managed to fill most of our kitchen cabinets with every art supply you can imagine. :) When my kids were small I owned a video montage business and have pursued my passion for creativity in all forms since childhood. I love teaching at Gardner Middle School and feel blessed beyond measure to do what I LOVE on a daily basis. It sounds cliche', but really and truly--- I LOVE what I do.