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2012-2013 was my first year at Sierra Verde.  It was a year that changed my life.  I wanted to get to know the community and blend in, but life took an unexpected turn on January 2, 2013.  My daughter, Katrina, was in an accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down.  Sierra Verde's Reindeer Run had been rained out in December and postponed.  It turned out to be the biggest Reindeer run/walk ever when it was changed to a "Go for the Gersters" fundraiser.  Sierra Verde community, Mountain Ridge community, and beyond pulled together in an amazing way.  My daughter was given support that has helped her and my family move forward on our new journey.  That day allowed us to realize that we were not alone in what we were dealing with.  Katrina was able to return to school and finish off her junior year at Mountain Ridge with straight A's!  She is an inspiration not only to me, but also to many others.  My students that year learned to never give up and to keep on keeping on!  Katrina went on to graduate from Mountain Ridge in May 2014 and graduated from Barrett, ASU's Honor College, in May of 2018.  She is in the graduate program at ASU and works for the City of ºÃÉ«µ¼º½.

I feel blessed to have two grown up "kids."  My son enjoys being a truck driver. Being a close family allows more time with my granddaughter. She brings me so much joy being her "Gaga."  It amazes me how quickly my own kids have grown up.  You may have a first grader now.  Make sure you enjoy each moment because it will go too fast.  

I'm a native to ºÃÉ«µ¼º½, Arizona.  I love to spend time with family and friends, ride my bike, read, work on puzzles, and do creative things like beading, scrapbooking, or making cards.   

My favorite book is ‘Love You Forever’ by Robert Munsch.  It’s about a mother’s unconditional love that spreads to the next generation.  It’s also no secret that my favorite cartoon character is Mickey Mouse or that my favorite color is red.  Both seem bright and cheery to me.

I have high expectations for myself and my students.   I help my students understand that mistakes are a part of learning and to never give up!   I help my students to strengthen their weaknesses and to not let their strengths get weak.  I teach with songs, books, poems, many other teaching tools, and lots of heart.