I have always had a passion for learning, whether I am the student or the teacher. Brains love to learn--it's their default setting! And I firmly believe that all humans desire to be successful learners--provided that the environment, relationships, opportunities, resources, and supports are in place. For over 2 decades, I have aimed my vocation at learning everything I can about how to connect with children with the goal of helping them grow and thrive.

My formal college education was at Bethel University where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies, and shortly thereafter I also acquired a elementary teaching license. But as is often the case, it has been my time working in the "real world" where I have learned the most and developed my passion for working with young people. I've had a variety of jobs--10+ years of working on staff at a camp, 2 years of substitute teaching, 3 years as an aide to students with emotional and learning disabilities, 6 years as a fourth grade teacher, 6 years working in the community mental health field--all leading to my current role as an elementary school counselor. I'll be starting a Master's program in the fall for school counseling, and I couldn't be more excited to be a student again!

If I had to summarize my philosophy of teaching style with just a few words, I think they would be: relational, curious, fun, and holistic. In order for teaching to be effective, the process has to be interesting to the learners in way that piques their curiosity as well as treats them as a whole human with more needs than just academics. That's my aim in whatever subject I am teaching (I truly love all of the subjects, but math and science are probably my favorite!)--help kids feel like they are seen and cared for in the midst of whatever academic needs or goals that are present.