I, Loreen Haldane, was born on September 8, 1970 at Point Pleasant Hospital in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. I grew up in Forked River, New Jersey with my two parents, my younger brother Bryan, and two dogs named Biff and Dusty. I also had two foster brothers who lived with us for a short period of time. I lived on a cul-de-sac with many children my age. We spent a lot of time outside riding bicycles and playing running bases and kickball. I was also involved in many activities. When I was little, I was a twirler and a cheerleader. I also took dancing lessons and gymnastics. My favorite activity was playing soccer, which I played for almost ten years until I had knee surgery. After babysitting for many years, working at Land of Oz Nursery School for three years, and taking Child Care Child Care II and I in high school, I decided I wanted to be a teacher. I enjoyed working with children and loved making lesson plans and then teaching them to the students. After I graduated from Lacey High School in 1988, I attended East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and studied to become a teacher. When I came home from college during the winter and spring breaks and summer, I substituted in the local school districts to gain teaching experience. I also worked as a camp counselor for the four summers I was home from college. I graduated from college in June 1992 with a teaching degree. Five months later I got my first job at Deane-Porter School teaching second grade. I taught second grade for two years and then moved to Forrestdale to teach fourth grade for eighteen years. When I am not teaching I like to exercise, go out to dinner, go to the beach, and read. I enjoy historical and realistic fiction books. I don’t like to clean the kitchen and bathroom floors when I have free time. Fourteen years ago I married a wonderful man named Mr. Haldane. Currently we live in a 120-year-old house in North Long Branch with our two children Tyler and Carly. I plan to continue teaching and go to graduate school. When I retire I hope to travel to places I have never been. I also hope to spend quality time with my children and grandchildren. Most of all, I wish for my family, my friends, and me to be happy and healthy.