Mrs. Ash

I grew up in Vallejo, California with 1 sister and 2 brothers. As a young girl I did not excel in many of my classes nor did I enjoy them. I often came home from school frustrated and confused about the homework. I always thought I would end up in an art career. When I started high school I found that school became easier for me because I learned new ways to study. My art teacher encouraged me to pursue a career in something that would keep me using my artistic side. I started going to Solano Community College in 1997 to study Fashion Design. I enjoyed the challenge of completing large projects and the feedback I received from my colleagues; however I knew after one year that I wanted a career that I could work more closely with people and be of help to them. After I changed my major to Architecture I had to take many math classes. Through these classes I started tutoring my fellow students and working for my professors to help with grading. Before I transferred to CSU Sacramento I ended up changing my major for the third and final time to mathematics.

I held down several part time jobs and took every opportunity to work with educators through learning centers and my college. Sac State was the first State college in California to offer the Math blended program. This is a program that allows you to take many education classes before you graduate and take several of them through the math department rather than the education department. My professors asked if I would like to be the first to graduate through this program and I was happy to do so. I received my BA in mathematics in 2003; I then completed my student teaching in 2004 in the San Juan District. The next school year was quite exciting; I had my first full time job at Vacaville High School, got married, and bought my first home. I worked in traditional high schools for the next 2 years. Wanting a change I decided to find a different environment to teach. I am happy to say that I have now been with Natomas Charter since 2006. I can’t wait to see this school grow and change. I have found that I enjoy math, but most of all I love teaching. Because I struggled so much with school as a child I understand the frustrations that students go through and I am happy to provide support and love helping students learn.