My Journey
As a young girl, I watched as a custodian at Arnold Elementary worked one-on-one with my brother after his behaviors labeled him difficult. I watched this custodian show my brother grace and establish a safe place for him every day- for an entire school year.
While attending Dawes Middle School, I had a teacher have the courage to call me out on my inappropriate classroom behaviors, and the lack of quality in my work. This teacher challenged me to surround myself with positive peers and to set high expectations for myself.
At Northeast High School, my freshman English teacher applauded my work but questioned my authenticity in class. My classroom behaviors were not matching the quality of work I was turning in. He provoked internal reflection that caused me to begin engaging in activities that were important to me, even if they weren't seen as the popular thing to do.
My dedication to youth services has always been personal; my passion to build relationships and establish high expectations have always been rooted in the desire to support young people, just as people served me.
Throughout my professional journey, I have served youth in many capacities. As a visitation specialist, I provided support and safety for children and families as their parents worked to regain custody and consistency for their children. Working at Youth Residential Treatment Facilities both in Lincoln, NE, and San Francisco, CA I have provided support and counseling for young people as they struggled through mental health and personal trauma.
While working at Lincoln High School, I worked diligently at providing engaging lessons, and intentionally establishing relationships with staff and students. Each day I strive to accomplish those tasks while holding students accountable, just as school staff did for my brother and me.
I have a strong passion for building individuals' capacities and challenging people past what they believe is possible. My love for education is rooted in my own childhood but has only strengthened as I became a mother. I am the proud parent of Maverick, Ace, Baerett, and Aurora Jones. My children's unique personalities and learning styles are a daily reminder of the need to celebrate everyone as an individual and teach each person to meet their independent needs.
I will spend the rest of my professional career changing the lives of young people, just as other school personnel changed the life of my brother and me. I dedicate my career to being the educator and leader that changed the trajectory of my life and challenged me to simply believe in myself.