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Hey, Colts Nation! I am thrilled to be your Cheerleader of the Week this week and to allow you all to get to know me a little bit better!

This is my first year as an Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader. As a rookie on the squad, every day is a new, exciting discovery! Whether it is working hard on our fitness or routines at a practice, meeting our amazing fans on an appearance, or cheering on our fantastic team on game day, each opportunity is a blessing to me! My absolute favorite memory as a Colts cheerleader so far would have to be cheering in my very first pre-season home game, where I also had the life-changing honor of singing our National Anthem with two other Colts cheerleaders, Allie and Stefanie. When I am not busy performing on the sidelines, I am a full-time elementary music teacher. As stressful and tiring as teaching may be, it is so fulfilling to see my students succeeding in the creative arts. Maybe some of them will even be cheerleaders someday!

These past few weeks were busy but great! What an incredible game we just had at home against the Bengals?! It was such an exciting game to cheer for, and I simply cannot wait to finish out the rest of the season, supporting our team as they fight towards the playoffs. This past week, I also had the opportunity to see a completely different side of Lucas Oil Stadium on one of my favorite appearances yet. Students from local schools, who reached an incentive on a fundraising goal, were allowed to tour the entire facility – and I got to tour right along with them! What an impressive stadium we have here in Indy!

As you can see, I keep myself very busy with singing, dancing, and teaching, and all of that would be impossible without the support of my loved ones. I would like to give a huge shout out of thanks to my devoted and supportive husband, Brett, and of course my fabulous parents! They're my biggest fans! I wouldn't be where I am today without you! The rest of my friends and family, you know who you are, and I thank God for you all daily!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and learn more about me, Colts fans! Let's keep on bringing the noise, even from our couches, as our boys take on the Giants next Monday! Go Colts!

You teach piano to younger children! When did you start playing piano, and how did you get involved in that?

I started studying piano at the age of six and took lessons for the next six years. At that point, as a 12 year old, I was involved in gymnastics, piano, theatre, and dance classes. My poor mom was chaperoning all over Northwest Ohio (where I am originally from) and told me I had to make a choice! I chose to take a break (for the next few years) from piano and gymnastics, focusing more on theatre and dance. I never touched a piano again until college, but studied classically at college and fell in love with it once more. I have picked up a few students to teach privately that attend my school!

Your husband and you love to cook together, but what is your favorite dish that you both make and is it easy to do?

My husband and I are CONSTANTLY on the web (he uses greatist.com and I use Pinterest) scouring websites for healthy, simple recipes. He tends to find more of the main dishes, while I stumble upon the desserts most often, but together we have a few go-to dinners that are easy enough for anyone to try! First off, you can't go wrong with simple chicken stir-fry - cook your chicken, toss in your frozen veggies and some low sodium teriyaki sauce and you are good to go! We also love spaghetti squash. We cut it in half longwise, remove all the nasty seeds, place it in a dish in the microwave for 8 - 10 minutes until soft to the touch, let cool a bit, and scrape out the "noodle-like" flesh into a bowl. You can toss the spaghetti squash noodles with oil, garlic, parmesan, and lemon juice for a lighter option, or with traditional pasta sauce for heartier meal! Add ground turkey or meatballs and you are set!

Best part about your job as a school music teacher…

The best part of my job as a music teacher is plain and simple - seeing my students succeed. Whether that be one student who had been struggling to find their singing voice suddenly burst out with confidence, or whether that be an entire grade level performing a difficult piece we have practiced tirelessly with energy and enthusiasm at a music program! It makes my heart soar to see their hard work, and my hard work, actually paying off!

What are you going to be for Halloween?

I have the unique opportunity to be a couple of different things for Halloween! A few weeks ago, at our Jr. Cheer clinic, where I am an instructor (Go Squad 11!), I dressed up as a pirate. This week, I attended the Colts Kid's Club Halloween Party, where I was able to fulfill my lifelong goal of becoming Tinkerbell! I also am having a fun 1920's "Gatsby" themed party with some close friends, where I get to be a fun, flapper girl! 

My biggest pet peeve is…

Negativity! We were put on this earth for a reason and each day that we complain and only find the worse in every situation, we are wasting that precious gift. Everyone, including me, has their negative moments, but I always try to look on the bright side of things. Next time you are faced with a problem or frustration, think of how you can find the positive and grow from it instead of being negative! It'll change your whole outlook on life!