I am certified to teach Childhood and Special Education, 1st-6th grade (Bachelor's degrees) and Literacy, birth-6th grade (Master's Degree). I started my career teaching 4th grade for 3 years near Raleigh, North Carolina, before returning home to Western New York to be with my family. Since then, I have worked with students in grades kindergarten through 6th who have received intervention in reading and math. As well, I worked as a special education teacher for 2 years specifically with 6th grade students.

Currently, I am about to finish my 16th year of teaching and am employed as a Literacy Specialist. I love and feel confident teaching all aspects of literacy as well as all content areas addressed in elementary school. As an educator, I believe in child-centered authentic, inquiry-based instruction that is generated by student interests, state objectives and is data driven. My goal is always to create positive experiences that communicate with multiple learning styles and nurture the unique gifts and potential of each student. Students need to feel that they are vital members of a community of learners where they are respected for the risks that they take. As a result, they gain knowledge, self-esteem, responsibility, and independent learning skills.