Overeem, Nicole

I'm in my twentieth year as an educator, all of which has been with Columbia Public Schools in Columbia, Missouri. Much of my time is spent teaching with the Columbia Area Career Center as a resource educator at Battle High School, home to many bright young Spartans. Also, while at Battle, I co-sponsor Girls Who Code and assist with the annual high school pride prom.

I was born in San Diego, and I lived there until I was six. From there, I grew up in Oklahoma and Missouri. After high school, I earned my cosmetology license in the state of Missouri and was a hair dresser throughout college.

I attended Columbia College for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I often consider returning to school to earn a counselor's certification, but am weighing the expense of the degree against the current resources I have. I am a life-long learner, and have always found ways to grow my skills on a budget. Lately, I have found free online libraries and learning to be of use!

Nonetheless, at home I spend way too much time on-line. However, other favored activities include reading news, biographies, and fiction, cranking up the tunes, walking my dog Louis, playing with my cats, watching movies, going to shows, visiting with friends and family, taking photographs, and folding and/or cutting paper. This is relaxing to me, like knitting, yoga, and meditation are to other folks. I was raised by a very patient and loving single-mother who recently passed away, and I have been married to my best friend who also happens to be a teacher for almost 30 years. I have a lovely extended family through him, so life has been pretty good so far.