My journey into education was not a typical one, but has definitely shaped me into the person and educator I am today.
I started my Bachelors of Science program in Speech Pathology while I was abroad in Micronesia working with an ENT team. Between online classes, I was teaching American Sign Language to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (also aiding in some surgeries- what?!), and creating resources for families to use long after I left the island. During this experience, I felt driven to help better the lives of others in any capacity that I could. While finishing my program through in person classes, I started to work with a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. I learned all things fine and gross motor- but most importantly, I learned that I LOVED working with kids.
So what did I do with this new found love? I got ANOTHER job working with children. This time with a non-profit program to bring multicultural music instruction into public elementary schools. I taught music instruction with them for over a year. Did I end up taking on 4 jobs while finishing my bachelors?! Yes. It was absolutely crazy, but I do not regret it to this day.
Wanting to gain as much experience and understanding as I could, I decided to take a year off before Grad School and join a Literacy AmeriCorps program in Florida. There, I worked in elementary schools in literacy intervention and also tutored kids that were in an afterschool homeless rehabilitation program. This was the program, or should I say the KIDS, that changed me. They were my WHY and from there I changed my course and started a credential program to teach in the classroom.
When I’m not teaching…
When I am not teaching, you’ll find me with my favorite people, my husband, friends, family, and Lola. I love to have a lot of fun and for me that is laughing until my stomach hurts with friends, relaxing at a winery or local brewery, and exploring all over beautiful Northern California.
I am a visual person and love all things design. I LOVE to create a beautiful and inviting space inside and outside of the classroom. In my spare time you can find me doodling and creating new resources.
My goal in life is to inspire and help others. If I can reach even one person and make a positive impact, my job here is done!
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and get to know me. I can not wait to connect with you!
