Communicating with Cantu

Welcome to my blog everyone.  I just want to give you a little info about me. 

Professionally: This is my eighth year teaching, but only my third year at WayPoint Academy.  I spent my first five years in Howell, teaching a variety of English and French classes, as well as sponsoring the Diversity Club.  I have a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in French from Michigan State University, as well as a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Teaching from MSU.  I am currently working on a Master’s degree from GVSU in Educational Leadership.  I am also a Freedom Writer Teacher.  I have spent the couple of years working with Erin Gruwell, many of the original Freedom Writers, and now 210 other Freedom Writer teachers from around North America to inspire change.  We even wrote a book together this past year that just came out called Teaching Hope.

Personally:  My husband and I are both originally from this side of the state, I graduated from Grand Haven and Jason graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central.  We met in college.  It was always our dream to come home to work, live and some day, raise a family.  We started that family this past year with the birth of our first daughter, Antonella.  I love to camp, kayak, and travel in the summer; and cross country ski and play Guitar Hero in the winter.  I also enjoy reading good books and spending time with my family and friends.  Over the past couple of years I have taken up distance running and recently competed in my first half-marathon race.  It was amazing!  Most of my time is now devoted to playing with and caring for my daughter, which is awesome!