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Welcome Message

Welcome to 6th-8th grade ELD classes at La Cima Middle School in sunny Tucson, Arizona. I will be your teacher for this exciting journey. I have been teaching for 20 years in all grades from Kindergarten to eighth.  I come to Arizona by way of Boston, Colorado Springs, Texas, Albuquerque and originally New Jersey. I am married to a geeky scientist (whose most used book is the dictionary!) and have two children, Oliver (14) and Emmeline (11). My husband and I are competitive swing dancers who have passed down a love for dance and gymnastics to our two children.

Defining Moment in Education

I have always valued my educational experience and the teachers who contributed to it. They were extremely instrumental in my career path as they challenged me and respected my learning. I found that the strict teachers were the ones who had high expectations of me and allowed me to thrive. They treated me as an "equal", sometimes learning right alongside me.  As an educator, we are constantly learning and evolving our methodologies in order to adapt to our students and the ever-changing technological world.

The best moments in education are those where students suddenly “get it”! This is the single moment that seems to open doors for them. It is so rewarding to know that I have made a difference.  This moment can foster a love of learning!

Core Educational Belief 

I believe that all children can learn, it’s just a matter of finding out what they are passionate about and relating it to their learning. Sometimes they need to see lessons in a new light, relevant to their own life. Every child needs someone on their side who believes in them and I want to be that cheerleader for each of my students. I have high expectations for them and expect that they have the same for themselves. Persistence is the key to education and finding a student’s motivation will open doors. 

Prior Experience

I have been teaching for a total of 21 years in Texas, Colorado, Massachusetts and Arizona. I have taught six years in elementary school, ranging from grades Kindergarten through 5^th grade, and a total of fifteen years in 6^th grade (including subjects like Science, Ancient Civilizations, Language Arts, Yearbook, Journalism and Odyssey of the Mind). I have also taught ESL in a K-8 school in Boston where the students in the district spoke an astonishing 84 different languages! This is my 11th year as a Cardinal, and I am happy to call La Cima home!

Professional Accomplishments

ADE-approved district SEI Endorsement Course Educator

District Curriculum Committee member for English Language Development

Awarded the position of Literature Chair

Founded a Swing Dance Team to perform at middle school Pride Assemblies

Founded a Literary Magazine "Horizon Herald"

Yearbook Director

Mentor teacher for Colorado Christian Academy