Superintendent of Legacy Traditional Schools in Nevada, Legacy Traditional Schools
Type of Business: Charter School
Based: Henderson
Hails from: Camano Island, Washington
Years Company in Nevada: 3
Year with Company in Nevada: 1
Employees with Company: 233
What was your first job?
My first job was babysitting my cousins and for several local families. When I was in high school, I worked evenings and weekends at our local Taco Time restaurant.
Who in your life has been instrumental to your success?
I have been fortunate to be encouraged by several amazing leaders that have supported me along the way. They have been instrumental in helping me become the leader I am today. Specifically, I would not be where I am today without Jerry Wilks, Brandy Byers and Todd Miller. Their support and mentorship over the years have been greatly appreciated.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want others to remember my passion and dedication to making a difference for every student, for the positive impact I have sought to have on everyone I work with and my willingness to fight for change in the name of what is best for the students we serve.
What is an issue currently facing your industry that an outside observer might not be aware of?
Teacher shortages nationwide – especially in Nevada – pose a significant challenge to educating the next generation. Fewer college students are choosing to major in education and aspiring to be teachers. We must address this trend and encourage students – in elementary school, high school and college – to choose a career in education. As part of addressing the teacher shortage, we need to address why fewer students are choosing a career in education and what we can do to stem this. If we can elevate teaching as a career and fire-up the next generation of enthusiastic, curious learners to become teachers – teaching subjects they love – this will ensure that we have highly qualified teachers available to educate future generations and add to our country’s collective future.
What is the best moment of your career?
As an educator and a parent, the best moment in my career has been having my children attend the school I’m leading. And, knowing that my work as superintendent of Legacy Traditional Schools in Nevada is directly impacting my own kids, too.
What is your motto?
“Bring it, let’s go, we got this.”
What is your favorite thing about living in Nevada?
I love the weather here in Nevada! We are an outdoor family and we love that we can be outdoors year-round! There are a plethora of great hiking spots in the Las Vegas area. If you want to be on the water, Nevada has that too with Lake Las Vegas and Lake Mead.
