I AM AN EDUCATOR, EXPLORER, GLOBAL CITIZEN, AND DIGITAL STORYTELLER.

My background is in early childhood and elementary education. This fuels my passion to help others learn and grow. In my teaching, you'll find me at the intersection of three types of literacy: early reading literacy, global literacy, and technological literacy. My ultimate goal is to help children become informed, civically-engaged, and conscientious community members. I’m currently based in Richmond, Virginia.

Early Reading Literacy

I believe that purposeful and thought-provoking storytelling is the first and best way to unlock new worlds. I earned my M.Ed. in K-12 Reading Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia Curry School of Education. By sharing rich literature and teaching developmental reading skills, I pass along curiosity and a love of books, while also exposing children to the world around them. I taught Kindergarten and first grade for nine years in Washington, DC and Colorado.

GLOBAL Literacy

I grew up as an American expat overseas for fourteen years. So, I was fortunate to have international exposure at a young age. I love to explore new places and draw connections between different cultures. As a teacher, I promote diversity and instill global-mindedness in my students. I see this as a pathway to build empathy and challenge preconceptions. In 2018, I was selected as a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow by National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. I traveled to the Galapagos Islands to connect classroom learning to field experiences for my students.

Technological Literacy

I leverage technology to broaden ways of thinking and inspire new questions. I also use my photography, videography, and writing skills to increase engagement. There are so many tools, new and old, that enrich student inquiry and communication. With a classroom looking and reaching outward, the world comes closer together. I tell stories via art integration and digital multimedia, and I encourage even the youngest learners to do the same.

FEATURES & PUBLICATIONS

University of Richmond Partners in the Arts blog, English Learners Introducing Themselves Through Zines
University of Richmond Partners in the Arts blog, Mending Walls in K-12: We Need to Talk, We Need to Make
National Geographic Education blog, Strategy Share: Using History Mysteries to Engage Students
National Geographic Field Notes, Galapagos: Two Elementary Teachers in the Field (co-authored with Stacy Gasteiger)
National Geographic Educator of the Week, Educator Spotlight: Exploring Animal Habitats in Virtual Reality
University of Virginia undergraduate thesis, The Praxis of Public Spirit: Developing an engaged citizenry through the education system