Degree(s)

BA (English major, German minor) - University of Michigan
MA (Secondary Education) - University of Michigan
Ed.D. (Educational Technology) - University of Florida (doctoral candidate working on dissertation)

Professional Background

I have worked as a secondary English/language arts teacher since I completed my master's degree in 2011. In that time, I have taught at public, private, and charter schools at both the middle and high school levels and have held teaching licenses through the state of Michigan and the Commonwealth of Virginia. I moved to Virginia and began teaching at OLGC in August 2015, and I have been the middle school literature teacher ever since. In my time at OLGC, I have had the privilege of introducing numerous classes of students to great works of literature and have watched them develop in their reading, writing, and analytical thinking abilities as they progressed through middle school. I have also been heavily involved with facilitating extra-curricular activities, including Shakespeare Club, student council, and Yearbook Club.

Faith in Action

I attempt to emulate the words and actions of Christ in my thoughts and actions during each class day to set a good example of how to interact with others respectfully, even when there is conflict or tension. I try to help my middle school students navigate some of the challenges of adolescence with patient ears and empathy. I am an active parishioner and frequently volunteer around OLGC school and church. I sing in the choir both at school and weekend Masses and have attended Work Camp with the youth ministry multiple times. I have been a Confirmation sponsor for four of my former students.

Favorite Teaching Moment

My favorite teaching experiences are those in which students overcome either an academic or social challenge that they once deemed was impossible. Over my years at OLGC, I have seen so many students put in the work to ace that test that they thought they would fail, master that academic skill they once deemed impossible to learn, overcome their fear of public speaking and look confident on stage, or build that social confidence to branch out and talk to new people. I am proud of every student who has been in my classroom for all of their growth in their years of middle school (hopefully, they had fun along the way!)

Favorite Food

Mac and cheese, kettle corn (NOT together!)

Favorite Activity Outside of School

Reading, writing, painting/art, playing clarinet, choral music

Fun Fact About Me

I played the clarinet in the University of Michigan Marching Band. This is where I met my husband, who also played clarinet in the MMB. Also, in high school, I won the mock election award of "Most Reserved" in my graduating class of over 500 students. I also won this mock election award all four years of band in high school. Essentially, I now make a living doing the exact deed that I won awards for NOT doing in high school: Talking to adolescents. I completely understand the experience of being "the quiet kid" in school.