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Personal: Born in Richmond, Virginia; married husband, Tom, in 1988; mother of two young children

I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, the oldest of six children. I have a twin brother and in fact, my mother had three sets of twins! I attended Henrico Co. Public Schools and graduated from Hermitage High School in 1983. From there I went to Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA where I received a B.A. in Psychology and an NK-4 Elementary Education Teaching Certificate. I graduated cum laude in 1987 and began my teaching career that fall teaching Kindergarten at Laburnum Elementary in Henrico County. I spent a challenging nine years there working with so many children who did not have the benefit of attending a preschool. It was difficult at times, but I felt I was making a difference in their young lives. I married my high school sweetheart, Tom Shumate, in July 1988. He is now a command sergeant with the Henrico Division of Police. Along the way, I had my first child, Emily, in September 1991, and my second child, Spencer, in September 1994.

I liked teaching, but I longed to be home with my own children, so in 1996, I resigned from my job and began my most important job—as a stay-at-home mom! I loved it! When my son, Spencer, was ready for preschool, I began teaching a four-year-old class at North Run, my home church. I taught for 2 years, then became director when Peggy Lafoon retired in 2000. I still miss teaching at times, but now I get hugs and lots of love from 78 children! We have a wonderful staff and wonderful, supportive parents, and we have a lot of fun! In my “spare time” I love to read, play the piano, and spend time with my family. I also play the piano for our children’s choir here at North Run Baptist.