I was born in Houston, Texas and lived throughout Texas and in Nashville as a child. I completed my undergraduate work at Houston Baptist University and received a BA in Sociology and Christianity. I worked in the business world for six years before finally pursuing my passion for teaching.

Once I made the decision to leave that career, I started my Master of Arts in Teaching at Trevecca Nazarene University here in Nashville. I will complete this degree in May 2009. Because I have been teaching ELL students (and absolutely LOVE it!), I decided to also complete my Master of Arts in Teaching ELL at Trevecca as well. I will complete this degree in May 2010.

I believe people's experiences shape the way they learn. My experiences have shaped the way I learn as well as the way I teach. All children deserve a fair and respectful environment to learn. I hope every child that comes through my classroom is able to experience joy during the learning process. I believe all children have the ability to learn and simply need someone to open the doors for them. Teachers plant the seeds of learning that build the foundation for the rest of a child’s life. I want all of my students to have that firm and strong foundation as well as the integrity and respect I hope to instill in them during their time in my classroom.

I know that we can work together to make your child’s year a success! That is my goal and I know it is yours as well!

You may reach Ms. Westerfield at Larissa.Westerfield@mnps.org.