​Cindy grew up in rural Missouri, and graduated from Princeton High School in 1993. She began raising a family after graduation; two biological children, one step-son, and one adopted child. Cindy took college classes here and there, but found it hard to juggle the responsibilities of being a mother, student, and full-time employee. As her children aged and began graduating from high school, Cindy began taking night and online classes. In 2011, she graduated from NCMC in Trenton, MO with her Associate of Arts Degree with an emphasis in Education. She was then accepted into the Graceland University Education program, where she earned her Baccalaureate Degree in 2013. She began working as a full-time K-12 special education teacher and in May 2017, Cindy earned her Master’s in Administration Degree, Director of Special Education from William Woods University. This is Cindy’s third year as Director of ACES, and she has enjoyed the diversity, unique learning experiences, and new people she has met thus far.