Justice for a Dedicated Teacher

For 14 years, I have been helping my students find their passions and chase their dreams. From high schoolers to adults looking to make a life change, from at-risk youth to students with special needs. In addition to teaching, I have mentored youth, helped battle food insecurities, fostered cats and dogs, and housed the homeless.

Unfortunately, my teaching career and my impact on the lives of hundreds came to a screeching halt. All it took was one student with a problematic past and a school's administration turning its back on a beloved teacher to destroy the life and career of a very dedicated teacher.

After spending more than a decade impacting the lives of hundreds of students, I have been falsely accused by a student who thought lying was better than taking accountability for their actions. I was abandoned by the administration that should have protected me from such claims. After these insane accusations arose and the administration told me I was on my own in this fight, I felt I had no choice but to resign as the school made my life miserable. I have not since been able to find work, I cannot draw unemployment, and I have burned through all of my liquid assets. The strain it has put on my life has cost me everything, including my relationship and my place to live (I am currently living in a campground).

I have now been notified that I need to pay for legal representation as I am now under investigation by the Ohio State Board of Education for these false accusations. In these times, we are guilty until proven innocent, and I unfortunately have to pay to defend my flawless reputation. I simply cannot afford to pay my bills, let alone these legal fees.

I have positively impacted hundreds of students who love and adore me still. I have supported so many lives, and now I am asking everyone to support me in making sure my name and reputation are cleared from these horrendous lies so that I can return to the classroom where I belong.

Thank you for reading my story and for any support you can offer.