Degrees

B.A. International Peace and Justice Studies, minor in Economics and Political Science, Molloy College M.S. Reading, St. John’s University M.A. Music Education, Columbia University

St. John’s University: Reading Specialist K-12, Early Childhood Permanent Certification, Elementary Education Permanent Certification

Master of Arts, Columbia University (completing: Music and Music Education

Professional Background

I attended Molloy College, a private Catholic college in Rockville Centre, New York. Before graduating, I took on a volunteer opportunity working with children living below the federal poverty line in the Appalachian coal country (West Virginia) in collaboration with the Sisters of Norte Dame de Namur. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in International Peace and Justice Studies, with an Economics and Political Science minor, and a Provisional License in Elementary Education. My volunteer work and formal studies inspired me to continue to make a difference in the lives of children. Upon graduating in 1999, I accepted a teaching position at the Diocese of Brooklyn, St. Edmund Elementary School, teaching the second grade. I worked on putting on the school’s Christmas pageant and preparing the students for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion. The following year, I worked for the New York City Board of Education at PS 81Q, The Paul Richter School in Queens, a Title I school. I taught the fifth grade for five years. During that time I earned a Master’s of Science degree from St. John’s University in Reading K-12 and various Permanent Teaching Licensures: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Reading Specialist K-12. In addition to working as a full time teacher, I worked part time at the university’s reading clinic after school hours. Later, I was awarded a scholarship to Teacher’s College at Columbia University, New York City. I took advanced classes in Music and Music Education. One of the greatest responsibilities I had was organizing and putting on the school’s annual Holiday Show where the superintendent and the principals of the district attended. The shows were featured a few times on the front page of the local newspaper. I worked as a music teacher for grades K-5 up until June 2012.

I took a break from teaching and advanced studies when I got married, moved to Northern Virginia, and started a family. I stayed home to raise my three wonderful boys. Now that my youngest is old enough to attend preschool at Our Lady of Good Counsel, I am ready to take on my life’s work again as an elementary school teacher!

Faith in Action

When my youngest was old enough to attend OLGC preschool, I felt uncertainty about what the next stage of my life would be. But I believe God had a plan for me... a better plan than I had for myself! By teaching in a Catholic school, I’ve been blessed with a renewed fulfillment.

Favorite Teaching Moment

The tears of joy the teachers and parents had when they listened to the voices of the children at my Holiday Shows. My former principal wrote me years later telling me about the fond memories she had of the performances and how every time she hears certain Christmas songs now she still thinks of the shows! The best teaching moments are the ones that are felt and remain in the hearts of others!

Favorite Food

New York pizza, Italian food, New York bagels

Favorite Activity Outside of School

Spending time with my husband and my boys!

Fun Fact About Me

I played college tennis. I am a NY Yankees fan.