I grew up in Sonoma County, CA, and after running around and having a few adventures after high school, I returned to the area and settled into college life at Sonoma State University. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, minoring in Environmental Studies with a focus on environment-based education. I then moved up to Portland and attended the Graduate Teacher Education Program at Portland State University. I received my Master's degree in Education in 2009, and have been working with students in an educational setting ever since (taking time out here and there to have a few children of my own!). I did my student teaching in 3rd and 5th grades, and have done some substitute teaching in grades K-8. I worked as a paraprofessional in a significant needs program at an elementary school, and have taught 7th and 8th grades at an online school.

I value education, and believe in teaching students how to seek out the answers, rather than just providing the answers for them. Every person is capable of learning, and one of my favorite things as a teacher is seeing the light in a student's eyes when they have figured something out; and seeing their confidence grow when they realize they can do it!