Here are some interesting things about me:
I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii
I am planning to hike the Long Trail in the summer of 2015
I play Settlers of Catan at least twice a week
My favorite band is Beirut
Education and Professional Experiences
For the most part, I grew up and attended school in Littleton, Massachusetts, except for my 9th and 10th grade years, which I spent in White Lake, Wisconsin. After graduating from Littleton High School in 2006, I pursued a double major in Economics and Mathematics at the University of Vermont. In my final year of college, I interned at the Public Assets Institute – a non profit think tank that analyzes the Vermont state budget and suggests balanced approaches to taxing and spending. After graduating from UVM in 2010, I worked for a year in the banking industry. I then returned to UVM and received my Masters of Art in Teaching in 2012. Since then, I have had the pleasure of working at Winooski Middle/High School.
What has been your greatest learning experience? (in or out of school)
My greatest learning experience took place in my final year of college in a class titled Wealth and Poverty. In that class I was given the freedom to explore my interest in socio-economic disparities in public education. My professor treated me as a budding colleague and inspired me to be proactive with my research. To be respected by a teacher and mentor is a great thing, and to this day we remain friends. I strive to provide my students with the same experience.
Who do you admire and why?
I admire Neil Degrasse Tyson. He has a great talent when it comes to explaining large, complex ideas in a simple, elegant, and entertaining manner. I also admire Elizabeth Warren, who has done much to help simplify the language and practices of lending money, allowing the public at large the chance to engage in discussions and actions regarding a subject that ultimately impacts everyone’s life.
What do you love about your current WSD position and the WSD community?
I love that the WSD is comprised of forward-thinking, compassionate, and knowledgeable individuals. The work we do is truly about the students and the greater good for the community. I also love that I am encouraged to facilitate math learning in a way that allows students to discover big math ideas in the world around them, not just from a text book.