Educating young children has been a passion of mine from a very young age.  At the age of 10, I was involved in tutoring elementary children, babysitting, helping my teachers with prep work, etc. and from then my passion for working with young children continued to grow and grow over the years.  Born and raised in Hawaii, I learn to appreciate the diverse backgrounds of children and this appreciation has helped me tremendously in helping the children in which I have worked with in my classrooms.  I have a Masters Degree in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction from San Diego State University and have 15 years total experience in working with children both at the elementary and early childhood level.  Currently, I am working as a substitute in the school districts in hopes of obtaining an elementary teaching position and have been helping my children in their virtual learning.  Prior to this, I have been working in early childhood settings both as a Director role and a Lead Teacher, however, now that all three of my children will be at the elementary level, I am hoping to be able to get an elementary teaching position in the districts.  I am a life long learner and continually strives to learn as much as I can about my profession so that I am better in helping my students become successful in all areas of their development.  This is my first time presenting at the Early Years Conference and I am both nervous and excited to be able to share some of my knowledge and expertise.