This year, Ms. Warren teaches AP Human Geography, Pre-AP World Studies, and American Government.
Ms. Warren always wanted to become a teacher, but her former college English professor discouraged her from pursuing education. Taking that advice to heart, she majored in political science with a minor in literature at the University of Florida. After graduating, she began working in lobbying as representation for CSX, a railroad and intermodal company, to the Florida state legislature. Her job involved sharing information with lawmakers and advocating for railroad funding. However, the job was disillusioning to her, so she decided to obtain her teaching license in Florida and later completed her master’s degree at CU Denver.
As a small side quest, Ms. Warren briefly worked with the crew of the Northwestern, the crab fishing vessel featured on the television series Deadliest Catch. She became the moderator for the show’s online forum after visiting the website to learn more about what she called her “guilty pleasure” when the show first aired. After noticing an inappropriate comment on the forum, she replied with a simple message: “Hey, let’s keep it to the fish.” Her response caught the attention of the site administrators, who soon contacted her and offered her the position of forum moderator.
In her role, Ms. Warren ensured conversations remained respectful, particularly because many of the fishermen’s families also participated in the forum. Her involvement with the show even led to an opportunity to take part in Seattle’s Candlelight Parade, where Deadliest Catch featured a float representing the Northwestern. Originally set to walk alongside the float, Ms. Warren was instead placed on it due to her pregnancy at the time. Laughing, she recalled that moment, saying she was “pretty sure everyone thought [she] was a knocked-up girlfriend,” since she was surrounded by a boatload of men while visibly pregnant.
Ms. Warren grew up in Winter Haven, Florida, in a working-class family. Growing up poor, she learned resilience early on. “You develop a thick skin,” she said. “You don’t put up with crap from anyone.”
At ten years old, her cousin Kelly moved in and became like another sister to her. Both Kelly and Warren’s biological sister Traci is five years older than Ms. Warren. While her parents were not college-educated, she and her older sister earned four-year degrees.
In high school, Ms. Warren was involved in cheerleading, FBLA, National Honor Society, Key Club, and Student Council. However, she faced a major setback when she was caught cheating on a geometry test, which led to a permanent ban from the National Honor Society. Looking back, she sees it as an important lesson. “It taught me accountability,” she said, “I haven’t cheated on anything since.”
Despite her extroverted personality in the classroom, Ms. Warren describes herself as an introvert. “I’d rather be at home with my family, not talking to anyone, just watching Halloween movies,” she said.
When she was sixteen, Ms. Warren’s father and several other orange growers in her hometown founded Florida’s Natural, the well-known orange juice brand. “We went from being poor farmers to millionaires overnight,” she said. The experience gave her a nuanced view of wealth. “People say money isn’t everything, and it’s not—but once you have enough to live comfortably, it becomes a lot more important.”
Ms. Warren met her husband Mike on a blind date—one that almost didn’t happen. Mike was originally supposed to go out with Ms. Warren’s friend, but when her friend got sick, Ms. Warren filled in. The two have now been married for 27 years and have three daughters: Hannah (23), Maddie (18), and Sarah (16). They also have their ‘bonus son’ Michael who lived with them for a year and is currently in boot camp.
Their marriage is built on mutual respect and independence. “We tell each other, ‘I don’t have to be with you—I choose to be with you,’” Ms. Warren said. Her favorite piece of advice echoes that philosophy: “Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers, plant your own garden.” To her, it’s a reminder that happiness must be self-made.
From her early days in Winter Haven to her years in politics and now education, Ms. Warren’s story is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and purpose. Whether in the classroom or at home, she continues to live by her own advice: choosing happiness, hard work, and authenticity every day.
