SCHOOL:
Cactus Ranch Elementary
CLASS:
2nd Grade
SCHOOL PHONE:
424-8022
Teaching is something that has been in my blood since birth. My dad taught
middle school for 30 years and my mom was an elementary school counselor
until she retired several years ago. Although I really feel I was
destined to be in the classroom, I didn’t realize it right away. When I
graduated from University of San Diego in San Diego, CA in 1999, I had a
Bachelor’s degree in sociology and minors in Spanish and business
administration. I moved to Irvine and started a job in marketing. I
aspired to move to the top of the corporate ladder and become unbelievably
successful in the business world. However, I soon discovered this would not
make me happy and I felt stifled by the stiff office atmosphere. So, I
decided to move back home to my parents’ home in Vista and get my teaching
credential. Somehow the career of teaching had been calling to me all
along, I just discovered this the hard way!
When I graduated from Cal State San Marcos in 2002 with my Multiple Subject
Teaching Credential, I was also two weeks away from getting married. I met
my now-husband in April 1999 but didn’t start dating him until January
2001. We got engaged six months later and planned our wedding for June
2002. So, within a two months of graduating from CSUM, I got married, moved
to Santa Clarita Valley (where Six Flags Magic Mountain is located), and
started teaching at Old Orchard Elementary in the Newhall School District!
Whew!
My first two years at Old Orchard I spent teaching third grade. During my
first year of teaching I also decided to begin pursuing my Master’s Degree
in Curriculum and Instruction through Cal State Bakersfield. I hope to
continue this dream in the next few years. My third year at Old Orchard I
was fortunate to have the opportunity to move to sixth grade - what a jump!
It was a wonderful experience, and I enjoyed the independence the 6th
graders are capable of.
In January of 2005 we found out my husband had an opportunity with
his company to make a job transfer to Austin, Texas. So, in February, we
drove Dan out to Texas, and his first day on the job and the day our new
house closed escrow were one and the same!! I stayed in California to
finish out my school year and then my mom and I made the 24 hour drive out
here together. I was so excited to finally be settled in Round Rock and
soon after accepted a 2nd grade position at Cactus Ranch Elementary! The
last four years have been filled with many learning opportunities for me, and
I have treasured every moment with my students. I am honored to be teaching
2nd grade again this year.
On March 11, 2007, our son, Ryan Daniel, was born. He is developing
such a wonderful personality and my husband and I are truly in love with
him! He is turning into such a little boy and I am sad to see my baby go!
Almost 2 years later, on December 22, 2008, we were blessed by the birth of
our daughter, Emily Catherine. She is such a joy to us and is growing and
changing so fast! We feel so lucky to be the parents of two wonderful kiddos!
This year will be exciting and fun-filled, and I am looking forward to being
your child’s 2nd grade teacher! I am a firm believer in working hand-in-
hand with you to make your child's second grade experience as positive as
possible. Please know that my door is always open, and you are welcome to
contact me at 424-8022 or via e-mail at Crystal_Bridge@roundrockisd.org with
questions or concerns at any time. I look forward to a successful and
enjoyable year!