I grew up in Lake Arrowhead, a small mountain community in Southern California.  After living as far south as San Diego and as far north as Humboldt County, it's hard to believe I have been in beautiful Sonoma County for over 15 years.

After exploring a few different majors (and a few different colleges!), I graduated from the very inspiring Hutchins School of Liberal Studies at Sonoma State with my Bachelor of Arts. This unique program, which focused on small Socratic seminars, led me into a discovery of my own voice and deeper appreciation for the voices of others.  To say it influenced my teaching style would be an understatement. 

I continued on to SSU's credential program, and after graduation knew I wanted a teaching position with Harmony Union School District.  

Fortunately for me, a Teacher's Aide position opened up at HUSD the year I graduated - and I got my foot in the door.  I worked across the grade levels, with teachers who spent their entire careers in Occidental.  I learned so much from working with them, and am so glad I had the opportunity to work within the original Harmony Spirit.  The very next year I was offered the fifth grade teaching position, I was (and still am!) ecstatic to plant my roots here in our wonderful school community.

After two fabulous years in fifth grade, my son Orion was born. I spent a year at home with him and then returned the following year in third grade.  Two years later, my son Asher was born.  My boys keep me on my toes!  They are also my greatest teachers who help stretch and widen my perspective on teaching (and life!) on a daily basis.  

I LOVE teaching in the Black Oak room!  There is a lot of growth in independence at this age, which is an exciting thing to be a part of.  Many students also begin to take on a richer, deeper ownership of their own learning, and I love watching it unfold.  It is my sincere hope to spark the light of a love of learning and create a classroom community that fosters a sense of belonging.