With 8 years in the business world and 15 years as an educator, I am currently the ESE Liaison, ESE Middle School Math Teacher and Intensive Math Teacher at the Imagine School at Palmer Ranch in Sarasota, Florida.  Previously, while in the regular education classroom, I felt the most drawn to the students who struggled to grasp the grade level concepts. Drawing a picture, playing a math game, and placing the students in real world scenarios where math skills were needed, proved to be both effective and entertaining for the students.  Knowing that my heart was with the struggling learner, I got my certification in exceptional student education and began to embark on my quest for helping our lowest quartile students make significant learning gains. Through trial and error, a language based approach to learning has proven to be the most effective avenue in ensuring our student's success, both academically and emotionally. Honestly, I have FUN co-teaching this class with my buddy, Thyra (SLP), engaging with the students,  and watching the success data go up, up, up!!  

When I am away from school, I love spending time with my family (including my two dogs),  cheering on my daughters at swim meets, canoeing and going on long walks.