I’m originally hailing from the state of Wisconsin. My life, however, has been quite the global adventure. From the DMV to diverse overseas locations, my family and I have relished our journey, spurred largely by my partner’s career. Education has been my constant companion and passion throughout these travels. I fell in love with the profession while living in Germany, and since then, I’ve been privileged to experience various educational systems across numerous countries. One thing I’ve learned is that, no matter where I find myself, I have a knack for weaving together vibrant, inclusive classroom communities.
I am a PhD candidate at George Mason University specializing in Technologies and Learning Design. I hold certifications as a Concept-Based and Inquiry Coach and have undergone IIRP training. My academic journey includes a Master’s in Education from GMU and a Master’s in World Politics from CUA.
I was proudly honored with the New AI Educator Award at the Symposium of Educational Advances in Artificial Intelligence 2024. My favorite professional development experience recently was presenting in Singapore at a Concept-Based and Inquiry conference with a cohort of 160 educators. This event was particularly memorable as I connected with my coaching cohort in person for the first time and was featured in an episode of the Learning Labs examining AI in school.
My favorite subject to teach is literature, especially when it involves making connections to ourselves and the world around us. It brings me immense joy to hear students recall our readings and discussions, creating new meanings and connections. Moreover, I am dedicated to fostering community participation in my classroom.
I’m a self-confessed technology nerd. Integrating the latest educational tech into my classroom is something I thoroughly enjoy, as it not only enriches learning but also equips our children for the digital future that awaits them. Outside of my professional life, I’m a proud mom to three energetic teenage boys who keep me on my toes. Our family is completed by a lively crew of two dogs and four cats. In my spare time, I can be found hiking nature trails, hunting for treasures in thrift shops, soaking up the energy at concerts, or satisfying my never-ending desire to learn new things.