I live in St. Albans with my husband. Outside of school I enjoy making home improvements, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. My best days start with a run in morning, followed by time spent tending to my garden, then an afternoon of kayaking on Lake Champlain, and ends with a good meal shared with my husband, parents, and 3 sisters.
Education and Professional Experiences
I grew up in St. Albans and attended BFA High School. I got my B.A. and M.A.T from Clark University in Worcester, MA. My first job was teaching in Lawrence, MA where I had the opportunity to teach English Language Learners and went on to get my ELL Certification at UMass Lowell. In 2012, I moved back to Vermont and began teaching at Winooski High School.
What has been your greatest learning experience? (in or out of school)
My greatest learning experience continues to be teaching. I am constantly learning from my students. I also have the great opportunity to facilitate the PEP program with 3 other ELL teachers. This partnership with the parents allows me to learn more about different cultures from the adult perspective. I have always loved the learning process and I am lucky to have a job that encourages me to gain new knowledge on a daily basis.
Who do you admire and why?
I admire my parents. They have been married for 44 years and raised four daughters. They model a true partnership that is guided by compromise, love, and laughter. From a young age they instilled the values of family, kindness, and education. These core values to continue to guide me throughout my life. As a teacher I truly believe that education has the power to change peoples lives.
What do you love about your current WSD position and the WSD community?
I love the students. They are hard-working, curious, and kind. Their sense of humor and enthusism keep me smiling throughout the day. I have upmost respect for the supportive staff and administration. Their innovative teaching practices and willingness to take risks in the classroom continues to motivate and inspire me to improve my own teaching practices.