I've had the awesome opportunity to grow up in Kailua, Hawaii; the Windward side of Oahu. I loved the beach, the sun and windsurfing! Growing up in a melting pot for twenty years gave me an appreciation for diversity, cultures and the love of travel.
I've been teaching for some 27 years now. In 1988 I graduated from Southern Oregon State College with my teaching degree. I spent five years teaching special education in Lake County, California before I landed back in Southern Oregon. Wilson's been my school since 1995, teaching 2nd through 5th grade, including six years as the Title I teacher. This year I'm thrilled to be back at a straight third grade class with my fellow third grade teachers, Ms. Kellum and Miss Peterson.
I recently married my long time sweetheart, Mr. Mikota, back home, on Lanikai Beach. Together, we always have a project going on whether it be landscaping, remodeling, photography or travel. Since we both believe in volunteering, we find that raising service puppies for Canine Companions for Independence to be extremely rewarding and it has truly enriched our lives.
I always have a project that I'm currently working on and one on the near horizon. Some of the special projects I'm looking forward to this year are our animal reports and presentations, our book commercials, learning about the Chinese New Year and Jacksonville's Chinese New Year parade. I also love teaching my students about giving, volunteering and the awareness of the special needs of others. This includes the awesome privilege we have to change someone's life through our four legged students like, Pumpkin. I'm also excited about the possibility of putting on a 3rd grade Winter Celebration play.
I welcome the opportunity to work with you and your child. It's going to be a great year!