I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and attended Denver Public Schools from preschool through twelfth grade. After five successful and rewarding years teaching at two DPS middle schools, I took a few years off to raise my own two children, Maddox and Ivy. Although I will forever cherish the time I had to be with my kids full time, my true calling as a secondary literacy teacher was always present. As I am beginning my eleventh year as the 8th grade Language Arts teacher at The Denver Green School, I am forever grateful that I made the decision to return to the classroom.
I often say that I want to shape students into thinkers and not just learners. Kids are not in school to absorb information but rather to explore and analyze the world around them. Therefore, my ultimate goal as an 8th grade Literacy teacher is to support my students in becoming positive, contributing members of an ever-changing and complex world. Through analyzing, reading and discussing fiction and nonfiction as a record of human experience, students are encouraged to critically examine the world around them, stand up and speak up for what is right and acknowledge their civic rights and responsibilities. I hope that by the time they leave my classroom, all of my 8th grade students will be able to effectively express themselves verbally and in writing in order use their unique voices to advocate for positive change.
I love what I do, and I am extremely passionate about preparing teens for success and happiness in high school and beyond.
In my life outside of teaching, I spend most of my time with family and friends. I enjoy reading, traveling, practicing yoga, playing tennis, running, hiking, camping, snowboarding, cooking and so much more. I am reminded every day of how lucky we are to live in such an amazing place!