I was born at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, Oregon. Though I was predominantly raised in town of Springfield, Oregon, I was fortunate enough to caravan cross-country each year with my family.  I spent most of my summers living in the Appalachian mountain range of western North Carolina. I am the eldest of five children, ages 18-40! During my formative years I was always one to be a peer mentor and teacher’s helper. Upon graduating from Springfield High School in 1998 it was my intention to pursue a career as a middle school special education teacher. One fateful day, while working as a respite care provider at The Arc of Lane County, however, I was asked to fill in in the preschool room. The wonderment and joy that accompanied working with those young children had me hooked!!! I graduated from Lane Community College with an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2001. I then enrolled in the Eugene Waldorf Teacher Training Academy. I graduated with my Waldorf teaching credential in 2003. 

During my 20-plus year teaching career I have worked at the Arc of Lane County, the Relief Nursery, Seven Stars Childcare, Temple Beth Israel, the Village School, the Eugene Waldorf School, DHS Child Welfare, and Early Childhood CARES. I served as a head teacher and family advocate for the Head Start of Lane County for 15 years. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and pets (dog, cat, and ball python), crocheting, cooking, trips to the beach, pirate festivals, and thumping washtub bass in a local jug band. I am so honored and excited to have the opportunity to continue my teaching journey with you and children at Vivian Olum!!!