Children and youth are not empty vessels waiting to be “filled” with knowledge.” Seigel

Family

My family is the most important thing in my life. I am the oldest of four children, which is a big reason I became a teacher. Love, support and humor are paramount in my

family. These values help me to be a better person and teacher.

Here we are dancing and singing Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire, one of our favorite songs, at my wedding.

Ultimately, my parents are my

greatest influence and example in my life, as

an individual, a teacher and a wife.

They gave me an extraordinary

childhood, raised me with strong morals and demonstrate daily how to put

others first.

My grandparents on my dad’s side of the family were both lawyers. My grandpa and his father started the family firm where my dad still works, and my grandma was one of two women in her law school class. My mom’s father started his own steel business, which helped my uncle to begin his own business.

My mom’s parents – at their 50th wedding anniversary party

Their perseverance and passion is inspiring. From my grandparents, I have

learned how to be independent and to take

pride in hard work.

My dad’s parents

I have dozens of first cousins, with several my age. I

grew up with them, spending my summers and

weekends with them. Our

friendships and experiences helped

solidify the importance I place

on relationships with family

members. With them, I developed a strong sense of

loyalty and a good sense of humor.

My husband Eric and I got married in October 2011.

He is amazing, and I am constantly

learning from him. He makes me strive to be a

better person, and as a result, a better

teacher.