Welcome to Chemistry! I attended University of Arizona, on a music scholarship, where I majored in Chemistry and minored in Music.   I have been been teaching chemistry at Canyon Del Oro High School since 2001. All of my teaching experience has been at CDO, where I am proud to be part of such a great faculty.  Both my daughters were Dorados too! I am currently teaching Advanced Placement Chemistry (College Board Approved) and International Baccalaureate Chemistry Standard Level and Higher Level. 

Defining Moments in Education

My passion is teaching.  I often have students ask me when I wanted to be a teacher and why.  I can't remember a time in my life that I didn't want to be a teacher, my mother was a teacher and I always admired her work, however it wasn't my first career.  After spending 10 years working as an Analytical Chemist, I wondered if that was what I was supposed to do in life.  It was that point I remembered I wanted to be a teacher.  I combined my two interests, teaching and chemistry.  After my first year of teaching at CDO, I realized that the classroom was where I was meant to be. I know I can make a difference in students lives and they definitely do in mine.

Core Educational Beliefs

I believe in my students.  I believe that with the right learning environment they will work hard to succeed. I believe in their intelligence and desire to learn. I believe that all students can learn chemistry. As Teddy Roosevelt once said, "People don't care what you know until they know you care."

Prior Experience

Analytical Chemist - Tracer Research

Analytical Chemist - BHP Copper

Chemical Hygiene Officer - BHP Copper

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

2006 American Chemical Society Southern Arizona HIgh School Teacher of the Year

2018 Arizona Online High School Teacher of the Year Finalist

2019 Arizona High School Science Teacher of the Year

2021 Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science Teaching - State Finalist