I retired from a teaching career after 41 years. During that time I taught Spanish and English both in the U.S. and in Lima, Peru, was a National Board Certified teacher, and a finalist for the Illinois Teacher of the Year award. I attended various universities including Indiana University, Universidad Católica del Perú and earned my B.A. in Spanish from Northeastern Illinois University. I earned my Masters degree in English as a Second Language at Concordia University. For a time I ran an educational computing company specializing in the use of computers in the classroom and writing educational software. During the 23 years I worked in Chicago Public Schools, I helped develop district-wide standards for the teaching of all foreign languages and ESL. I also participated in the development of mandatory district-wide achievement tests for Spanish at all levels that are still in use today. Until recently I  dabbled in rehabbing properties in Chicago, Kankakee and Cairo. I have lived in Cairo on and off for 20+ years and made it my official home a few years ago. I have watched a multitude of beautiful homes and businesses disappear, including our one grocery store.  So I was excited to see the appearance of the Rise Market and Deli and ran for the board of directors to lend a hand in its continued success.et.