Mrs. Gardner attended the University of West Georgia before transferring to Georgia Southern University, where she obtained her B.S.Ed. in Mathematics Education in 2005. She earned her M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from Georgia Southern University in 2009, and later her Gifted Certification from North Georgia College & State University. In 2013, she obtained her Ed.S. in Curriculum & Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University.

In 2016, Mrs. Gardner became a Director of Mathematics at Effingham College & Career Academy when they opened their STEM Academy. She taught classes ranging from Honors Algebra I to Accelerated Pre-Calculus.

In 2018, Mrs. Gardner joined the Warhawk family as Mathematics teacher. In 2020, she became the Media Specialist. She believes the Media Center is the heart of the school, and loves forming positive relationships with students as well as being a resource for all teachers. She has over 20 years of teaching experience. 

Mrs. Gardner was named the Houston County School District Media Specialist of the Year in 2025 as well as the Middle Georgia RESA District winner. She will be considered for the Georgia state title with eleven other candidates in the summer of 2025.

Mrs. Gardner's husband, Shane, is a Houston County native. They have been married for over twenty years and have three active boys. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach, gardening, reading and spending time with family.