For the past eleven years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Principal at Thurgood Marshall Elementary—a Title I and Highly Capable Pathway school with a beautifully diverse community. Our school included several intensive special education programs, a large multilingual student population, and a thriving HC cohort. Before that, I was Principal and Director of Student Services at the Seattle Hebrew Academy, and I began my career as a school counselor in the Federal Way School District. Each of these roles has shaped my approach as an educator, and I’m excited to bring that experience to Coe as we continue to grow together.
I am excited to join Coe Elementary for the '25-'26 school year! I got my Bachelor's degree in Biology and Psychology from Lawrence University in Wisconsin, after which I started working in education. I earned a Master's degree in Special Education at University of Illinois - Chicago and taught elementary special education in Chicago, where I am from, for 5 years before making the move to Seattle in 2022. In my spare time, I love hiking and backpacking and just generally being outside, playing soccer, and reading - especially sci-fi and fantasy. I am eager to collaborate and learn from the staff, families, and students of the Coe community.
I am the Occupational Therapist at Coe, Lawton, and Queen Anne Elementary Schools. I am a Seattle native. I grew up in Issaquah and received my undergraduate degree from the University of Washington. I went on to earn my Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Boston University in 2002 and worked at Mercer Island Public Schools before deciding to be a stay-at-home mom for over a decade. I have lived on Queen Anne for 16 years and love this community! I am passionate about providing our students with the tools they need to be successful in the classroom. I enjoy spending time with my son, walking the Crown of Queen Anne, reading, abstract painting, and relaxing with my two cats, Tony and Nessa.
As a former parent of children who went to Coe, I am honored to be employed by this amazing school. I am a Washington State native, and I have lived in Queen Anne for over 20 years with my husband, my daughter, my son, and my tiny little dog Pepper. I attended Eastern Washington University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and currently work part time as a dental hygienist. My part time role at Coe is an instructor assistant supporting multi-lingual students across all grade levels. I am passionate about helping students succeed as they learn English and find joy in witnessing their progress throughout the year. Outside of work I love to travel, ski, and cheer on my kids in their sport activities.
I am honored to be Coe’s School Counselor. I believe deeply in the power of self-agency and the strength children possess to overcome challenges. When kids recognize the power in their ability to make positive choices, they can unlock the potential to accomplish anything. I approach counseling through a cognitive-behavioral lens, emphasizing that while we can't always control what happens to us, we have the courage and strength to choose how we respond. Raising a child truly takes a village, and I believe that collaboration among all stakeholders in a child’s life (families, teachers, and the community) is key to fostering an environment where children can thrive. This collaboration and investment needed to support all our learners is evident in the staff and school community here at Coe. Coe Elementary is a special place, and I am grateful to be a part of it.
My experience is deeply rooted in my past upbringing in Seattle, where I developed a strong sense of pride in being a Seattleite. Attending St. John's in Greenwood and high School at O’Dea. I also earned my MA., Ed. specializing in School Counseling from Seattle University. Every day, I am motivated by the opportunity to support and guide the next generation of thoughtful leaders.
