Welcome Message

Hello students, parents, and families!

It is a sincere pleasure to work with each and every one of you this year.  This marks my eighth year as a teacher at Rio Vista, and my 17th year of teaching overall. I am looking forward to an amazing year with your child!

Tucson has been my home for 18 years now. Prior to that I lived in Tempe, Flagstaff, Washington, DC, and Georgia. My husband and I have a son who is a third grader here at Rio Vista.  I enjoy reading, traveling, watching sports, and baking.

Defining Moment in Education

After college I served in a year-long AmeriCorps program in the Washington, DC area.  My team and I completed eight service projects that year, one of which was working in a DC public school for eight weeks.  It was a little sad when each project came to a close, but none affected me so much as the school did.  As our days dwindled, I couldn’t push away the feeling that this project was somehow different.  I had connected with the students in a very positive way, and I secretly hoped that our time there would be extended.  It was not, and in the days, weeks, and months following our project my thoughts kept returning to the students. Growing up, I had never dreamed of becoming a teacher, but within a year of finishing my AmeriCorps service, I was researching and applying to teacher programs.  Perhaps I would have found my calling without this experience, but I know for certain that serving in this school began the path to where I find myself today.

Core Educational Belief

I believe that all students are equipped with the tools and talents necessary for academic success.  One student’s toolbox might be very different from another’s, however, so it is my goal to help students uncover their strengths and guide them to use their unique tools to achieve success.  I strive to teach students HOW to learn so that they set themselves up for a lifetime of successes.

I also believe in the power of having a growth mindset, and I encourage my students daily to adopt and strengthen their own growth mindsets.  I love witnessing students utilizing their positive attitudes to make their way through a challenging task.

Prior Experience

I taught 4th grade for 6 years and 5th grade for 10 years.

Professional Accomplishments

SARSEF (Science Fair) 2nd Place (class)