BioInteresting things about me
Here are few things about myself that might be interesting for those of you who are considering me for a training session at your school or site. I currently live in the beautiful State of Arkansas where the rivers are clean and the lake is crystal clear and deep blue. In my spare time I enjoy spending time at the lake on my boat dock, kayaking Beaver Lake, or wake boarding behind the boat. I love riding my Harley Davidson and would like to attempt my Iron Butt. For those of you who are unfamiliar with motorcycles, an Iron Butt is 1000 miles in 24 hours or less. I have a beloved Golden Retriever named Maggie who loves to ride in the car, kayak, and ride the bus on field trips. My partner and I have three cats who have found their way into our home and hearts.
I attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and completed my B.S.E. in 1997 and M.A.T. in 1999. My first teaching job was as the physical education teacher at an elementary school. I taught one year at the elementary and went straight to the high school. Bless you elementary physical education teachers.
Before beginning my physical education teaching career I worked for the airlines as an aircraft mechanic, drove a truck as a courier for FedEx, and owned a lawn care business. I always knew there was something out there that I was supposed to be doing and now I have finally identified that something. I have discovered the best kept secret in teaching. If you truly want to make a difference in the lives of children check out an alternative learning environment. I am the physical education teacher at an alternative high school for high at risk teens located in Rogers, Arkansas.
How did I end up at an alternative high school for high at risk teens? I was drawn to this job like a lost magnet. My specialty has become Project Adventure physical education and outdoor adventure recreation. I love sharing the wonder and love of the outdoors with my students. I teach experiential activities, fishing, fly fishing, fly tying, archery, camping, dutch oven cooking, hiking, mountain biking, top water kayaking, Geocaching, and orienteering. When students leave my class they will leave with a positive physical education experience. During my physical education classes students will acquire the skills needed for increased self-esteem, and the confidence to make positive healthy recreational choices as apposed to drugs, alcohol, and risky behaviors.

Deb in Sturgis	Colorado beauty	Deb and Sue
Fun in Sturgis	Deb in Tenn SDAHPERD	My family AAHPERD Awards Night
Maggie	Maggie on the river	Sue and I at Devils Tower
My friend Toni and I at school	Cape San Blas	Cape San Blas 2008
Faithful friend	Maggie on the beach	2008 AHPERD - Ft. Worth
Sportime friends	Hiking at the lake	The girls
Tip & me	Snowboarding in Reno	Fun
The garden

Goals for the future
I plan to add additional recreational units to my physical education program at Crossroads. The first new unit that I am working towards is a camping unit that will include an overnight trip. The camping program will include outdoor cooking, wilderness first aid, map and compass navigation. I will continue to write grants and search for funding to purchase the equipment needed to offer this new and exciting unit.