1990 - White Oak High School 

1996 - Wingate University  B.S. Biology and Education

1997-2006 Swansboro High School

2006-present White Oak High School

I am a 1990 graduate of White Oak High School.  Upon graduation from high school, I attended Wingate University.  For the first two years of college, I worked towards a degree in Elementary Education.  After leaving college for a year to care for my ailing mother, I returned to Wingate and changed my major to Biology and Education with the intent of possibly pursuing a career in the medical field.  In December 1996, I earned my Biology and Education degree (with a minor in Chemistry).  After graduation, I returned home to Jacksonville to be closer to extended family and friends.

My first teaching position was at Jacksonville High School as a substitute from March 1997 - June 1997.  The following August, I was hired by Mr. Joseph Beasley to teach Biology and Chemistry at Swansboro High School.  I taught Biology, Honors Biology, Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Physical Science, and Earth Science at Swansboro High School from August 1997 - June 2006.  After 9 years at SHS, I decided it was time to return "home" to White Oak.  In August 2006, I was hired by Mr. Wiggins to teach Biology and Honors Biology at White Oak.  I loved the time I spent at SHS growing as an educator, but am also excited to be back at White Oak teaching young people from my community. 

I have been married to Jeremy Downey since October 1999.  We are the proud parents of two boys (Reese - 8 and Evan -3).  Outside of school, I like to spend time with my family.  We enjoy camping in the North Carolina mountains.