Seattle Public Schools

I am grateful to teach and live in Queen Anne. Fifteen years ago, I began my journey toward becoming a teacher by working at Creative Arts for Children where I learned how routines, expectations and cooperative play can set students up for social and academic success. When my younger daughter was a student at Queen Anne Elementary, I learned the magic that comes from connecting with students… letting them know that they are seen, heard and their perspectives valued. Then, after working as a first-grade tutor for four years, I was so inspired by the teachers and students at QAE that I went back to school to get my teaching certificate with endorsements in both elementary and special education. As a teacher now, witnessing and supporting all students as they navigate their learning journey is the joy that keeps me inspired.

Inside the classroom, I strive to foster a culture of connection and mutual support. I have found that reading aloud from inspiring texts, incorporating fun and providing opportunities for students to claim ownership of their learning create conditions for cultivating students who love school. I love teaching and learning right alongside them!

Personal Message

After a journey that has taken me across the country, I am so excited that I have landed in my new home at Queen Anne Elementary! I am thrilled to be joining such a dynamic community of learners, teachers, and families.

I come by way of the Northeast, the Midwest, and the Northeast (again). Raised in the Boston area, and growing up the child of an educator, I never imagined that I, too, would find my passion in teaching. But after trying on various careers, I finally pursued my M.Ed at the University of Illinois at Chicago and came into my true vocation. I had meaningful experiences teaching 3rd and 4th grade in Chicago Public Schools before moving back “home” to work as a 4th grade teacher in a wonderfully nurturing Boston-area public school. As an educator, I am driven to foster learning environments that inspire risk-taking and critical thinking as well as encourage students to envision and create a more socially just world. My background also includes a love for the theater arts and I am continuously looking for ways to incorporate dramatic play into everyday teaching and learning.

My partner Kristina and I have been drawn to Seattle for its proximity to natural beauty as well as good friends. Outside of education, my joys in life include playing with my little nieces and nephews, singing karaoke with friends, traveling, basking in nature, and getting sucked into a fantastic book. 

Our Classroom is dedicated to explorative learning and supporting each other.

This means that it is our goal in the Octopus Garden to becoming more intellectually, socially, and culturally well rounded individuals.  We are a community of learners in the classroom.  My expectation for my students is that they work hard to improve.  Mistakes are ok; it is how we learn and we cannot learn without trying.  I also expect my students, and myself, to be respectful of each other, of others outside of the classroom, and to embody the Pathfinder Charter.  In our classroom we respect all family types and will work to affirm that every child’s family type is normal, wonderful, and full of love.  It is our wish that every family feel welcome, be visible, respected, and informed

I have been teaching at Pathfinder since 2004.