I am a Seattle native, born on Capitol Hill and raised in Wallingford. As a child, I always wanted to become a teacher like my grandmother. She was a middle school Spanish teacher in Detroit, Michigan for over 30 years. I loved hearing her stories and always knew that being a teacher was my destiny.
I attended The Evergreen State College and received a BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies. After graduating from college, I spent time living and traveling in South America.
After returning to the United States, I decided to return to Evergreen where I earned a Master’s in Teaching. I began teaching elementary school in 2001 in the Shoreline School District. I spent eight years teaching grades three through six in both Highly Capable and regular education classrooms.
I was also a literacy coach and mentor teacher which has helped me to support both new and experienced teachers. In addition to my experience in elementary school, I taught Language Arts and Social Studies at Whitman Middle School in the Seattle School District. My broad classroom experiences provided me with a strong foundation in instruction and differentiation.
I have been the Decatur principal since the building reopened in 2018. Previously, I served as the founding principal of Cascadia Elementary School when it was located in the Lincoln High School building. Leading Cascadia was an incredible experience that helped prepare me for my position as the principal at Decatur Elementary School.
As a parent and principal in Seattle Public Schools, I understand what makes a school successful and I am excited to be opening Decatur Elementary School and working with our amazing teachers and families to make the school a community for everyone.
I graduated from Central Washington University in 2012 with a bachelors degree in Physical Education and an endorsement in Elementary Education. I went back to Central Washington University in 2018 and graduated with my masters in Health and Physical Education in 2020.
I am teaching 1st-5th grade Physical Education and Health. I have taught K-12 and I enjoy teaching the little kids. I am looking forward to my 7th year at Decatur Elementary.
I'm originally from Orlando, Florida. I am a sports enthusiast, specifically football and volleyball. My favorite subject is WRITING! I've previously taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and am currently in 5th grade. I love working with students each day, and helping to foster their independence and success.
Teaching is my second career. Fourteen years ago I left a career in accounting/finance to be a teacher and I have no regrets. Children are the best co-workers! I am passionate about connecting with nature and the outdoors. Gardening has been a great way to integrate that connection with nature into science, math, social studies, and literacy, so I love being involved with the Decatur garden. I love seeing my students get their hands dirty while learning! In my free time you can find me outside.
