Originally a teacher in Virginia Beach, Va., Villar has taught elementary school students in Mansfield since 2004, most recently at Southeast Elementary School. A keen fan of the Iditarod since her earliest days of teaching, she had her first musing experience in New Hampshire a few years ago. An avid skier from a very young age, she also learned to climb and do high ropes courses; exercise for pleasure these days for her involves camping, hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor pursuits. She has also worked as a lifeguard and performed as a synchronized swimmer.

She and her husband and six children look after two rescue dogs in their Mansfield home; Villar volunteers for the American Lab Rescue.

The Teacher on the Trail program began in 1998, with a fund-raising effort by Andrea Aufder Heyde.

The race began in 1973.