TBird Teacher Feature: Meet Ms. Ashli Houchins, anatomy, physiology, and biology teacher at NCHS. Originally from Ewing, MO, Ms. Houchins always knew she loved biology but her decision to teach it didn’t come until her sophomore year in college. There were many people along the way that influenced her decision to teach and Ms. Houchins states, “I have had some great teachers along the way who showed me the importance of the craft. My parents influenced me by encouraging my love for learning and supporting my inquisitive nature. My college professors Dr. Jones and Professor Mathieson challenged me with content and inspired me with their methods.” You will most likely see her students doing “hands on” activities when you walk in her classroom and Ms. Houchins has this to say about working with her NCHS students, “The best part about working with students is witnessing them make connections and feel successful.”When asked what Thunderbird Proud means, Ms. Houchins says, ” Pushing yourself to do and be your best.” Something you might not know about Ms. Houchins is that she loves shoes and has quite a collection! Dedicated and consistent are two words that immediately come to mind when describing Ms. Houchins. If you get the opportunity to observe her students looking at the chambers of a heart, learning to take blood pressures, or any other lab activity in her classroom, you will be totally impressed! NCHS is fortunate to have Ms. Houchins as part of its education family. #ThunderbirdProud