Meet our Teachers

Teachers at the Idaho Virtual Academy are among the best in the state for virtual education. They consider themselves your partners in your children's education and are available every school day to help you and your children through any challenges you may face. Here are a few of the regular education and special education teachers you'll get to know at the Idaho Virtual Academy.

Joan Baillie has been on staff with IDVA since 2002. She received her bachelor’s degree from Boston State College, and is currently certified to teach in Idaho and Massachusetts. She taught a variety of grade levels in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico. Joan is continuing her education by participating in graduate workshops and classes.

Paige Barber is an Educator and Community Relations Manager for the Idaho Virtual Academy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Boise State University and is certified in technology for the state of Idaho. Mrs. Barber is in her fifth year with the Idaho Virtual Academy. Previously, Paige taught for six years in the Caldwell School District. Her teaching experience in the brick-and-mortar schools has been kindergarten and second and fourth grades. The virtual setting has allowed her to expand her experience from kindergarten through eighth grade. She continues to attend workshops and courses to further her education.

Amy Brown has worked for IDVA since 2005. Before joining the Idaho Virtual Academy, Amy worked as the Early Childhood Librarian at Marshall Public Library in Pocatello for six years. She is a graduate of Idaho State University with a bachelor’s degrees in early childhood and elementary education. Amy is enthusiastic about teaching and loves to share her excitement with parents and students.

Keri Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Boise State University and has an endorsement in K-8 Reading. She taught for eight years in the Nampa and Vallivue school districts. Keri has teaching experience in first-, fourth-, and fifth-grade classrooms. She was also a reading specialist for intermediate Title 1 for two years, working with struggling readers. Keri has continued studying best educational practices through post-graduate courses.

Susan Carns earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Montana. She taught for eight years in a small rural public school, where she specialized in middle-school language arts. She has participated in a variety of committees, including curriculum review, technology, and extracurricular activities. Susan has also earned a Library Credential from the University of Montana, as well as a master's degree in education, curriculum, and technology from the University of Phoenix.

Carrie Chizum joined our IDVA staff this year. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Boise State University and holds Idaho Technology and Reading Comprehension certificates. Carrie has taught middle school for the past five years in a small public school. While in public school, she taught English, Math, Science, and History. Carrie was also a Reading Specialist in the Twin Falls School District. She also coaches a variety of sports in her community and loves the challenges that her teaching/coaching combination brings to her days.

Jennifer Dorris was raised in Coeur d’Alene and graduated from the University of Idaho in 1997 with a degree in elementary education with an emphasis in early literacy. She has taught first and second grades for five years in the Coeur d’Alene School District. She has also been involved in curriculum alignment for several years. She has been with the Idaho Virtual Academy for five years and works with families in Northern Idaho. She has taught the Idaho Virtual Academy’s summer reading program for the past three years. She has two daughters and has been happily married to her husband Sean for nine years. She enjoys travel and has spent time in the Middle East, South America, and Russia. She also enjoys music and has played the violin for 23 years. She loves working with Idaho Virtual Academy families because of their dedication to their children.
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Catrina Duke is new to IDVA this year.

Erin Edwards has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with endorsements in Reading and Special Education from Lewis Clark State College. She has taught Title 1 and first grade with the Coeur d’Alene School district for the past seven years. She has been a leader in the Response To Intervention (RTI) process, which targets intervention strategies for struggling learners. She has also served as the treasurer for the Panhandle Reading Association and chair person for the Books for Babes program. This is her first year with the Idaho Virtual Academy.

Judy Eichelberger has taught in public and private schools from Maine to Florida and back to Idaho. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with minors in early childhood education and English from the University of Idaho. Her master's degree in reading was earned from the University of West Florida while her husband served in the US Navy. She has classroom experience with students ranging from kindergarten through the eighth grade. Most recently, Mrs. Eichelberger worked as a Title 1 teacher in the Coeur d' Alene school district. She is a trained Reading Recovery teacher. As a native of this state and former fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Eichelberger has always been interested in the history of Idaho. She was recently appointed to the Hayden Historical Preservation Commission.

Carma Ellis joins us with 13 years of experience, including homeschooling her own child. After graduating with honors from Utah State University, she taught second grade in Idaho Falls School District. She also enjoyed teaching first and third grades in the public schools in Utah. She first worked as a virtual teacher in 2005. She has participated in evaluating statewide testing, developing social studies curriculum, incorporating brain research into the classroom, and training teachers in mathematics, language arts, and science. A native of Idaho, she is thrilled to be home and working with IDVA.

Carrie Freeman has been in the field of education for nine years. She spent two years teaching sixth grade and seven years teaching third grade in San Diego, California. She received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Fresno State University. She then continued her education by obtaining her California Multiple Subject Credential from National University. She has been with the Idaho Virtual Academy since 2007.

Lisa Frost is new to IDVA this year.

Jennie Gibson has worked with students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Her most recent teaching experience has been teaching third graders. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history and completed her teacher certification training at California State University – Fullerton. She has a master’s degree in technology in education, and is currently studying educational technology with Walden University.

Kari Granier has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an endorsement in Reading from the University of Idaho. She has taught Title 1, K–5, with the Coeur d’Alene and Lake Pend Orielle school districts for the past six years. She has been a leader in the Response To Intervention (RTI) process, which targets intervention strategies for struggling learners. She has also served as the vice president for the Panhandle Reading Association. This is her first year with the Idaho Virtual Academy.

Samantha Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education, with a reading minor, from Eastern Washington University. She has experience teaching sixth grade and students with emotional disturbances for the Meridian School District. Sam also coached track and tutored kindergarten through college-age students in math and reading. She joined the IDVA staff in 2007.

Erica Kemery has more than 18 years of combined experience as a traditional classroom teacher, homeschool teaching parent, homeschool cooperative teacher, and virtual classroom teacher. During her professional life, she has also worked with Native American children and at-risk high school students. She specializes in English Language Arts, German, Social Studies, Reading, and elementary education. Mrs. Kemery holds a bachelor’s degree in Germanics, a bachelor’s degree in education, and a master’s degree in education leadership. She has served with the Idaho Virtual Academy since 2002, teaching grades K-8. She lives in Challis, Idaho, where she enjoys country life with her family and contributing to her rural community.

Ruth Leib has been an elementary teacher for 24 years. She is an alumnus of Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, music education, and piano performance. Ruth earned her master's degree in literacy and technology from the University of Idaho. She has taught grades K-8 during her years as a classroom teacher, but most of her experience is in the second and third grades.

Marci Love is new to IDVA. She taught for four years—three years with the Meridian School District and one year at a private school in Seattle, Washington. Her experience ranges from preschool to eighth grade in multiple areas of subject matter. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in social studies from Southwestern College in Phoenix, Arizona. Marci has also traveled extensively throughout the world and now resides in the Treasure Valley.

Brandi Maynard is a gifted-student specialist who has been teaching gifted-and-talented students since 1997. Her undergraduate degree from Eastern Washington University is in education, with a major in reading and a minor in applied psychology. Her master’s degree in teaching, with an emphasis in gifted-and-talented, from Whitworth College has served her well in her work with gifted learners. She is currently working on writing her dissertation to earn a doctoral degree from Gonzaga University.

Darren McDaniel has been teaching for more than 11 years in both private and public institutions. He received his bachelor’s degree in history from Walla Walla University, and received his K-12 certification from Southwestern Adventist University. He has traveled around the world (from Thailand to Honduras), and this nation extensively. He has taught in schools overseas in South Korea, and in the South Pacific as well.

Heather McKenna graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She was an educator in the Nampa School District for three years, and practiced the Harbor School method. This is her third year with the Idaho Virtual Academy. She has had several educational developmental classes, including a month-long study of Israel at Jerusalem University.

Becky Mitchell is joining the IDVA staff this year. She received her bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University. She holds an Idaho Teaching Certificate K-8 and is technology certified. She has taught eight years in public education ranging from large to very small schools, with one semester in a homeschool facility. Although she enjoys teaching every subject, her specialties are in the areas of science and mathematics. Most of Becky's teaching experience has been teaching science in middle grades (6-8). She has also taught kindergarten, been a high school math tutor, and served as district technology director. She has coached a variety of athletics programs for both middle school and high school. She has taught the children's reading program for the College of Southern Idaho's ESL evening and summer sessions.

Kimber Nelson earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Idaho State University. She taught first grade for three years and kindergarten for one. She also substituted all grade levels for two years prior to teaching, and enjoys working with students of all ages. Over the last six years, she has continued her education by taking courses primarily centered on developmental reading, writing, and behavioral intervention courses. She has also completed her teaching with technology course I & II.

Amy Phillips has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Boise State University, and an associate's degree in journalism from Ricks College. She has experience teaching in the Boise and Meridian school districts. She has a passion for science and has taught elementary science workshops for the Discovery Center. Mrs. Phillips owned and operated a daycare center for eight years. She also had a private tutoring business for several years where she worked with students in grades 1-9. Mrs. Phillips is currently in her second year of teaching middle school for the Idaho Virtual Academy.

Mary Ramsey joined the faculty at IDVA this November as a Title I Math Consultant. She holds an Idaho K-8 teacher's certification. She received a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a math emphasis and a California K-12 Teaching credential from Humboldt State University. Mary previously taught middle school English, Social Studies, Math, Art, and PE. She has taught in after-school programs and coached golf and volleyball. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Education program at Boise State.

Charlotte Reid earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Idaho State University with studies in English, biology, and ESL/ELL. She is technology certified. In the Blackfoot area, Mrs. Reid spent two years coaching a variety of sports and teaching English, speech, and debate at the high-school level. A two-year stint in a sixth-grade science classroom led to an elementary certification through the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence. She plans on continuing her education by pursuing a master's degree in the near future.

Susan Richardson has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. She has taught grades four through six for five years in Alaska and Idaho. Although she enjoys teaching all subjects, her specialty is in history. Susan is currently working on her master's degree from Lesley University. This is her second year with the Idaho Virtual Academy, and she genuinely enjoys helping families be successful and effective in schooling their children.

Kelly Roush has been with the Idaho Virtual Academy since its start in 2002. She is currently the lead teacher for North Idaho. Kelly came to the Idaho Virtual Academy with a background in public school teaching and technical training. Kelly brings to our school a love of school choice and an enthusiasm for partnering with parents to facilitate enjoyable, effective schooling for children in Idaho.

Lisa Sieminski has taught for three years with the Nampa School District teaching children with emotional disturbances, and has been with IDVA since 2002.

Margaret Skimmyhorn graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She moved to Washington, DC, and worked for the Woodward & Lothrop department store as a trainer, at Gallaudet College in the Business Office, and at the Gillette Research Company as a textile technologist. After returning to Idaho, she landed a job at the Behavioral Health Center as a school teacher for the pediatric unit, a position she held for the next six and a half years. At that point, she went back to school to add an elementary certification to her secondary certification. Margaret worked for eight years at the Idaho Falls Public Library as Supervisor of the Pages and of the Stacks before coming to IDVA in 2003.

DeeAnn Smith has more than 20 years of teaching experience in Washington and Idaho, mainly at the primary level. DeeAnn spent most of her career in the Clearwater Valley at Kooskia, Idaho. She earned her master’s degree in education from Lesley College in literacy curriculum and instruction, and has been active in promoting early literacy, place-based learning, the arts, and grant funding for rural schools. After two years of teaching middle-school language arts, DeeAnn joined the IDVA team in 2003 as a middle school teacher.

Wendy Stoodley , a native Idahoan, has taught elementary education since 1981 and has been with IDVA since 2003. She has taught pre-kindergarten through second grade, with a focus on individualized instruction in the multi-age classroom. Mrs. Stoodley co-developed a multi-age, individualized, multiple intelligence pre-kindergarten/kindergarten curriculum that is used in classrooms across the United States. She has enjoyed the experience of training teachers to use her curriculum. Mrs. Stoodley is a state-certified librarian and has written grants to improve the quality of the reading program, the library, and the technology department of the school. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Walla Walla College.

Kellie Stroozas has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Her specialties are math education and working with middle school students. She has six years of teaching experience with the Meridian and Nampa school districts. Kellie has been with IDVA since 2004.

Jennifer Terry works as the master teacher with IDVA. She completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Walla Walla University, and has a master's degree in curriculum and technology from University of Phoenix. Jennifer has been with IDVA since 2003 and has worked as a middle school teacher and a lead teacher. Before joining IDVA, she worked as an elementary teacher in a multi-grade classroom.

Karli Thompson is in her seventh year of teaching. Her experience ranges from preschool to eighth grade in multiple areas of subject matter. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Idaho State University. Karli is certified in technology for the state of Idaho, and she received the Teaching with Technology Certificate from the Albertson Center for Educational Excellence. She is currently the Southeast Advanced Learner Specialist for IDVA. She is also working on receiving an endorsement in Gifted Education.

Darcy Williams was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and has done a great deal of relocating throughout the years. From New York to California, she has blown through the states, creating a stir with her enthusiasm for life. After completing her master’s degree in education at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, her passion for changing the face of education led her to the Idaho Virtual Academy. Darcy shares the vision of creating choice in education. She values parents as partners and the need to keep up with an ever-changing society. She brings with her a background in psychology, early childhood development, and an ever-present need for adventure. Her next great adventure—the Idaho Virtual Academy.

Becky Bermensolo taught middle-school Spanish for nearly six years before coming to work for IDVA in 2005. She holds an education degree from the University of Idaho with an English major and a Spanish minor. She loves the intricacies of all language and is grateful to have the opportunity to teach both languages for IDVA. Becky has lived in Idaho all her life (her maiden name is Caldwell and she was born in Caldwell!) and currently resides in Boise with her husband and two children. She is an avid mystery reader and enjoys the warmer weather with her family by camping as much as she can. Not a cold-weather lover, she holes up inside her house until the daffodils start poking through the snow!

Susan Carns earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and Library Media Endorsement from the University of Montana. She also earned a master’s degree in education, curriculum, and technology from the University of Phoenix, Online. She taught grade school for eight years while in Montana—everything from third grade to eighth grade. Then her family moved to North Idaho in 2000. Susan started working for the Idaho Virtual Academy in 2003, moving into the instructional coordinator role for the high school in 2006. Susan and her husband have three boys—they love to spend time outdoors riding bikes, gardening, and camping.

Anne Farrell is back with the Idaho Virtual Academy after a two-year overseas adventure. Anne is one of the instructional coordinators for High School. Previously, she was a K-8 lead teacher in North Idaho. Anne loves what the Idaho Virtual Academy has brought to education. It's a fabulous choice for children, and she had the opportunity to teach her two girls with the Idaho Virtual Academy while living in Russia. Anne has her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and has taught in the local Coeur d'Alene schools. She also had the opportunity to coach volleyball at Coeur d'Alene High School for several years. Anne enjoys being in education and loves to see children succeed in whatever they set out to do. Anne loves spending time with her husband and two daughters. Her family is, and always has been, her greatest joy!

Sarah Greentree has taught English at the middle- and high-school levels for more than six years. She graduated from Northwest Nazarene University with a bachelor’s degree in English education and in 2006 completed a master’s degree in education, curriculum, and instruction. Sarah began teaching with IDVA at the start of the 2006 school year and enjoys helping students learn virtually. After spending most of her childhood in Alaska, Sarah enjoys life in Idaho by living in the great outdoors. When not on the computer, she enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.

Karen Hall earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education, with a teaching major in biology and a teaching minor in chemistry, from Idaho State University, graduating with high honors. She is also endorsed in Physical Science and Natural Science. She went on to earn a master’s degree in education, instructional technology, from Idaho State University in 2002. Karen has taught all levels of secondary science education, from sixth-grade science to senior-level advanced chemistry. She taught in brick-and-mortar schools in the Twin Falls area for 13 years before coming to the Idaho Virtual Academy in 2006. This year, she is teaching AP® Chemistry and is one of the three high school instructional coordinators.

Erica Haynes was a world traveler and political activist before becoming a teacher in 2003. Her travels have taken her to more than 30 countries and 189 major cities. Over the past four years, Erica has spent her time teaching World History, U.S. History, Geography and Cultures, Life Science, P.E., Modern World Studies, Government, and Psychology. After attending Idaho State University and the University of Helsinki, Finland, Erica received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Idaho.

Kelly Hughes is a high school English and electives teacher with the Idaho Virtual Academy. Before coming to IDVA, Kelly was a music teacher and professional musician in Las Vegas, Nevada. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Idaho and a master’s degree in woodwind performance from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Kelly enjoys teaching at IDVA for many of the same reasons our students have expressed—it’s a unique, challenging, and rewarding experience. When she is not busy with IDVA, Kelly enjoys spending time hiking or swimming with her husband, daughter, and four crazy dogs.

Becky Ipsen earned a wildlife/fisheries management degree from Utah State University. She then worked for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for six years before deciding to go back to school and become a high school science teacher. Idaho State University is where she earned her Teaching Credential in the Natural Sciences. This includes Earth Science, Biology, Botany, and Physical Science. Becky taught in Idaho Falls School District 91 for four years before accepting a job with the Idaho Virtual Academy in 2005. Becky splits her time between helping students learn science and helping her husband run a cattle ranch. She is a competitive roper and spends much of her summer traveling the rodeo circuit.

Michelle Mattson graduated from Idaho State University in 1998. She has been a physical education and health teacher since 1999. She began in Pocatello at the Teen Parent Center. In 2001, she and her husband moved to Paris, Idaho, where she taught elementary PE and health for several years before getting a job with the Idaho Virtual Academy. This is her second year with IDVA. She currently teaches Physical Education, Health, and Art. She loves interacting with the students and learning about each one of them. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her husband and three kids. She also loves to run, bike, play basketball, and scrapbook (when she finds time).

Megan Millican received her bachelor’s degree in secondary education for physical education with a minor in biology and bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Boise State University in 1998. She taught, was a coach, and an athletic trainer for Jerome High School for two years. Megan continued her teaching and coaching career at Filer High School for five more years. Since graduation, she has become Natural Science and Health certified by the State of Idaho. This is Megan’s first year with the Idaho Virtual Academy. She is very active with her family of four children and husband. Activities usually are centered around horses and rodeos. This has been a lifelong love for Megan and family. Other interests include volleyball, basketball, water skiing, and snow skiing.

Robin Redsull has been a high school teacher for 13 years. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Idaho, she returned to school to earn her teaching certification and a master’s degree in adult education. She taught for nine years in brick-and-mortar schools before joining the Idaho Virtual Academy. This is her fourth year of teaching for the Idaho Virtual Academy. She enjoys all sports, playing golf, riding motorcycles, traveling, and meeting new friends. She also likes to spend time at her cabin in Garden Valley.

Noel Tew was born and raised in a little town outside Blackfoot, Idaho, in a place called Moreland. She graduated from Snake River High School and continued her education at Ricks College, where she also studied abroad for a summer semester in Europe. After graduating from Ricks with her associate degree, Mrs. Tew completed a bachelor’s degree at Idaho State University in secondary education. She majored in history and minored in mathematics and is certified to teach both at the high-school level. While attending Idaho State University, she married her high school sweetheart, Ryan Tew, and they now have two little girls, Abbie and Avery.

Kendra Wilkes was a teacher for four years before she joined the Idaho Virtual Academy. She earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with emphasis in mathematics, history, and driver’s education from Idaho State University. This is Kendra’s first year with the Idaho Virtual Academy; before this, she designed and delivered a state-certified Driver’s Education Program along with teaching and coaching at Hawthorne Middle School in Pocatello. Kendra’s passion is helping students get involved in extracurricular activities and staying active. She loves being very active, participating in any sport possible as well as partaking in all of Idaho’s many different outdoor activities, both summer and winter.

Jennifer Hill was an English teacher for seven years before she became the high school counselor for the Idaho Virtual Academy. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English education, magna cum laude, from Northwest Nazarene University and in 2006 completed a master’s degree in counseling from NNU. Jennifer has been with the high school program at IDVA since it began in 2005 and enjoys helping establish extracurricular activities for students, including the first school trip to Yellowstone in May of 2007. Jennifer's passion is helping students think about and plan for their lives after high school. She loves spending time in Idaho's beautiful outdoors with her husband and two children, hiking, biking, and camping in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Tara Ball has been a special education teacher with the Idaho Virtual Academy since October 2002. She has more than 10 years' experience as a professional educator. Her teaching experience is in multiple areas and learning environments. Mrs. Ball has combined experience as a special education teacher and a classroom teacher. She has homeschooled her children and has taught in a homeschool cooperative, and has been a volunteer with Ada County Juvenile Courts working with juvenile offenders. Mrs. Ball graduated with honors from Boise State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and an endorsement in Special Education.

Tim Benedick has enjoyed teaching special education with IDVA since beginning in 2006. After graduating from Northwest Nazarene University with a degree in elementary education, he spent the next five years teaching first grade. He has also had previous experience working with preschool through middle-school-aged students.

Susan Calvert has more than 25 years’ teaching experience with 13 of those years teaching overseas with the Department of Defense, Dependent Schools. She has a bachelor’s degree in education, with a minor in biological sciences, from University of Texas and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in special education from NMSU. She spent two summers training in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with the TEACCH program for students with autism spectrum disorder. Susan began teaching special education with IDVA in 2004.

Lorrie DeNinno began teaching with IDVA in 2007.

Julie Edwards began teaching with IDVA in 2006.

Lori Ellesmere-Jones is a special education teacher in her second year with IDVA. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, as well as a master's degree in special education, both from California State University, Fresno. In her five years of teaching in California, she served students with a variety of disabilities in various settings, including mainstreaming more severely disabled students into the regular class setting and into the community.

Heather Fisher is a special education high school teacher who holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in K-12 reading from Albertson College of Idaho. She additionally holds a master's degree in educational technology and has her technology certificate from the Idaho State Board of Education. Heather has taught first grade, sixth grade, reading, reading strategies, speech/communications, English 11, English 12, and eighth-grade health science, both online and in face-to-face classrooms. She has worked extensively with at-risk students and co-founded the Hawk Outdoor Adventure Program for troubled youth. She is certified by American Sport Education and National Federation State High School Associations, has coached fifth- and sixth-grade basketball and JV basketball, and has been a Snow Team advisor at Bogus Basin for the past two years.

Michael Glanders has taught general and special education in large, small, and even isolated areas. He received his bachelor's degree in elementary education from Idaho State University in Pocatello and his K-12 Special Education Credential from Boise State University. Michael has been with the Idaho Virtual Academy since the 2004-2005 school year.

Gayle Hansen has been teaching special education for five years. She graduated from Idaho State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education. She worked for the Pocatello School District for three years; this is her second year with the Idaho Virtual Academy.

Heidi Rust joined the Idaho Virtual Academy in 2006.

Joan Teal is a special education teacher. She has been with IDVA since 2006. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a bachelor’s degree in English. She received her teaching credential from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. She received her credential in Special Education from California Lutheran College, in Thousand Oaks, California. She then taught special education in California for three years before moving to beautiful Idaho to be with her family.