I love exploring new ways to think about math, especially when the journey begins with a student question.
When I first discovered Nova High School, I was drawn to it immediately. Walking into the building, I instantly felt a sense of coming home. I saw a school where students are safe being their true selves, and exploring topics at much deeper levels.
I am a teacher because I adore the subject of mathematics and the beauty through which the subject describes patterns of the universe. I hope to help students release the fear that is so often connected with learning experience. I also hope that through a shared passion and excitement, I can encourage students to explore thinking from a mathematical lens.
I’ve also been very excited working with the Competency Development at Nova. I am so glad to work with a staff who so clearly wants the best for students and is able to effectively work with one another to continue enhancing their teaching practice.
Education: Seattle Pacific University – BA in Mathematics and BA in Secondary Education
Antioch New England – MEd in Problem Based Learning
I am an experienced public school math teacher. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics/Black History and a Master’s Degree in special education. I relocated to Seattle from New York City in 2016.
I have experienced, first-hand, how the power of education can break the cycle of poverty.
After two decades of a career in banking, real estate and title insurance, I returned to university to fulfill my desire to become a mathematics teacher. I will teach my students to learn how to learn.
I work with students in classes like “Life on Earth”, “Environmental Justice”, and “Earthology”, as well as committees like “Planet Nova”, to explore how the Earth lives and how best to work for justice.
What brought you to Nova?
A small, personalized, democratically-run, justice-focused learning community committed to the growth and success of all students in which I could work collaboratively with both staff and students — how could I resist?
How would you describe your teaching style?
My courses start with big, relevant questions that drive our shared inquiry both within and outside the classroom. I work to center students in their own learning process while de-centering dominant narratives of race, gender, sexuality, class, ability, and other power inequalities. Students demonstrate their learning through multiple possible pathways, including projects, writing, classroom discussions, and other performance-based assessment. And I try to make sure our learning experience is engaging, meaningful, and compelling — there’s so much for us all to learn and do!
Why do you teach? And/or what do you hope to influence?
Our world is dominated by unjust systems of power and exploitation that must be confronted, deconstructed, and replaced — if not, people and communities will continue to face violence and oppression while our society fails to live up to its potential. As a teacher, I have the opportunity to participate in the process of helping to create a more equitable, just, and life-affirming world.
What’s your favorite thing about Nova?
At Nova, I actually can work with students and adults to change how we teach and learn, and how we can live in this world. We share a commitment to justice that pushes and supports my own work while providing our students with an unparalleled education. We aren’t perfect, but we always demand to do better. I love Nova!
What brought you to Nova?
I was a Nova student in the 90’s and thought an animation department at Nova would be so wonderful. I got my Animation degree at CalArts, and came back home to create films and begin a program here in 2001.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Collaborative. My ideas for a class grow from the students and their evolving needs. I have a menu of fun exercises I offer, and many of my offerings were born from a Novian asking me “Can we do this kind of project next?”
Why do you teach?
Creating animation gives me bliss. Making animation with a community of people amplifies that bliss. At Nova I get to see patience grow in artists, and some of my favorite artists are getting their starts here in our program.
And/or what do you hope to influence?
I hope to give people at Nova a chance for peaceful self-care through the simple creation of life on a page. I live for the moment when I witness someone seeing their markings coming to life on the big screen. Our end-year showcases at Northwest Film Forum are a wild ride, and are not to be missed! We archive them here on Vimeo, check them out!!
How would you describe your teaching style?
Compassionate, radical when needed, traditional when needed.
Why do you teach? and/or What do you hope to influence?
Love. Hope. I hope to empower all people to feel confident about their reading, writing, and communicating abilities.
What’s your favorite thing about Nova?
Culture of Kindness
