I am a passionate educator dedicated to empowering students to believe in themselves and achieve their greatest potential. Throughout my career, I have inspired my students to give their best effort, show compassion, and embrace a growth mindset.
Fostering meaningful relationships with my students enabled me to set high expectations while creating a supportive, trust-filled classroom community. In this safe and encouraging environment, students feel confident taking risks and learning from mistakes, recognizing them as essential steps toward growth.
As an authentic and student-centered teacher, I designed my classroom to meet the diverse needs of all learners. By offering choices, cultivating comfort, and providing flexible learning spaces, every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
After earning my Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Western Oregon University, I dedicated 31 wonderful years to elementary education. Throughout my career, I embraced opportunities to grow, explore innovative teaching practices, and create joyful, meaningful learning experiences for my students.
My professional development included Love and Logic, Writer's Workshop, art education, Whole Brain Teaching, technology integration, yoga and mindfulness, and inclusive teaching practices. Each experience strengthened my belief that children learn best when they feel connected, valued, and empowered.
I was especially passionate about creating a classroom community where students had choices, embraced creativity, developed confidence, and discovered their unique strengths.
Today, I am proud to add published author to my accomplishments. My first book, How Are the Children? Creating a Love of Learning Through Connection, Community and Joy, brings together the lessons, stories, and experiences that shaped my teaching journey.
My greatest accomplishment, however, will always be the relationships I built with my students and the joy we shared along the way.
TEACHING AROUND THE WORLD
My passion for education has taken me far beyond the classrooms of Oregon and into schools in Thailand, Uganda, and Spain. Each experience deepened my understanding of children, cultures, and the extraordinary power of human connection.
I spent six months teaching English in Khon Kaen, Thailand, where I embraced a new culture and discovered fresh perspectives on teaching and learning. In Masindi, Uganda, I collaborated with educators and school leaders, sharing strategies for student engagement while learning from their creativity, resourcefulness, and dedication.
Most recently, I spent six months teaching in Madrid, Spain, where I once again experienced the universal joy of connecting with children across languages and cultures.
Although the classrooms, traditions, and resources differed, one beautiful truth remained the same: children everywhere want to feel seen, heard, valued, and loved.
These international experiences helped shape my first book, How Are the Children?, and strengthened my belief that relationships, community, and JOY are at the heart of meaningful education.
I returned from each journey not only a better educator but also a more curious, compassionate, and grateful global citizen.
A BOOK IS BORN
Throughout my teaching career, I encouraged my students to become authentic storytellers. Together, we practiced considering our audience, making powerful word choices, organizing our thoughts, and embracing the process of editing and revising. Little did I know that I would one day apply those same lessons to writing my own book!
After five years of writing, reflecting, and countless revisions, I am thrilled to share that my first book, How Are the Children? Creating a Love of Learning Through Connection, Community and Joy, is now published and available on Amazon!
Throughout my career, I was passionate about creating joyful learning experiences and helping every child feel seen, valued, and connected. That passion inspired me to share my stories, experiences, and lessons learned from more than three decades in education.
I believe joy is limitless. It can happen spontaneously in the simplest moments or be intentionally woven into our classrooms and everyday lives. Joy transformed my journey as an educator, and my hope is that this book will inspire others to discover its extraordinary power, too.