After graduating from High School in 1986, I decided to enroll at Southwest Texas State University to become a teacher.  I was influenced in this decision by my stepmother, who came from a long line of teachers, and is a teacher herself.  I vividly remember helping her grade papers, and how important I felt to be responsible for such an awesome task.  She taught at a secretarial school, and I loved going with her to work during the summers. I couldn't wait to be a teacher myself.  After four years of hard work at Southwest Texas, I graduated in 1990 with a degree in Elementary Education.  My first job was in Austin, where I taught fourth grade for five years, and second grade for one.  During this time I married the love of my life, Greg Ward, and my daughter, Charlotte, was born.  After the birth of my son, Cameron, I decided that I couldn't work full-time and be the type of mom I wanted to be for my children.  I quit teaching full time and took a position as a preschool teacher at my church.  I worked part-time in this capacity for six years.  We lived in Austin most of this time, but I knew I wanted my children to grow up in Dripping Springs and attend the schools there.  In 1999 we moved to Drippin' so that my daughter could start kindergarten here.  When my son started first grade, I decided it was time for me to go back to teaching full-time.  In 2002 I began working in Dripping Springs as a third grade teacher.  I have been here ever since! Recently, I have made the move to further my career.  In May of 2007 I graduated with my degree in Administrative Leadership.  My goal is to work as an administrator at the elementary level in Dripping Springs.  With all the changes our district is making, I hope that this will become a reality for me in the near future.