My Passions:

Travel: I try to see somewhere new every year; this year it was Holland, which I found to be a gorgeous place that I definitely want to return to. Seeing the Anne Frank home was a highlight of the trip.

Volleyball: I started playing volleyball in 2000 when I became the head coach at Eminence High School. After coaching for four wonderful years, I decided I needed more time of my own. Now I try to play recreationally at least once a week. I’m not tall enough to spike well, but I love digging.

Reading: I’ve always been an avid reader starting as a young reader with Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mysteries. My favorite author now is John Case who writes mysteries that almost always take place in multiple international locales. The funniest book I’ve ever read is Kick Me by Paul Feig; I almost fell off the couch I laughed so hard.

Writing: I don’t do as much writing as I’d like to because of time constraints, but when I write I usually write poetry. I’m looking forward to hopefully attending a poetry conference in January in Massachusetts—one of the advantages of living in the Northeast. And I’m hoping to attend some poetry slams in the area.

Hiking: I love to go for day hikes, either alone or with others. Alone gives me a chance to get away from civilization for a while, get some exercise, and see beautiful scenery. With others I get the chance to share the experience, and I have someone to take my picture. J My best hike was in Australia in the Blue Mountains, what they call the Grand Canyon of Australia.

Volunteering: I love helping others. My best volunteer experience was in Australia where I spent two weeks helping scientists research climate change in the rainforest. We measured logs, caught skinks, mist netted and tagged birds, sorted insects, and collected leaf litter—lots of work but very interesting. Locally, I’ve decided to get involved with the Junior League of Hartford and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I’m looking forward to setting up service activities for the staff, students, and parents to do together.

My Big Picture Story:

Having taught English for six years in Kentucky, I was tired of traditional education. Fortunately, in October I discovered Big Picture, which set me on a quest to be hired by a Big Picture school. Since being hired in March, I have been anxiously awaiting the start of school. I’ve always believed in educating one student at a time, and our school will allow me to do that in a way that honors their interests.

What I’ve Been Doing Lately:

In the days leading up to opening day, I participated in professional development with school staff, shopped for classroom decorations, organized the classroom with hundreds of books, solicited my new friends to show off their passions in pick-me-ups, and planned advisory activities. It was a busy week but one full of fun as I eagerly prepared for the arrival of students. In addition to all the work, I’ve also been busy trying to get acclimated to the state and making friends.

My Educational Mission:

My personal educational mission is to infuse students with the desire to ask questions, the skills to seek answers to those questions, and the will to change the world.

My Education Background:

M.A.T. Teaching, University of Louisville, 1999

B.A. English, University of Louisville, 1997

A.S. Accounting, Jefferson Community College, 1994