Biographical Sketch:
I was born outside of Chicago and then moved to upstate New York during middle school. Since then, I've lived in MA, Australia, WA, CA and finally found a home in 2002 in Colorado. My husband of almost 17 years and I have two lovely youngsters, Hazel, age 9 and Wyatt, age 8.
Education Background:
I earned a B.S. in Environmental Education and Science from Springfield College (birthplace of basketball) in 2000. I went on be a park ranger with the NPS but decided to earn my Master's Degree in Environmental Sciences from CSU in 2007. During this time I worked with high school students and realized my love for teaching. I then earned my teaching license from UNC 2008 and another Master's Degree followed (in a nut shell).
Why I enjoy teaching:
I have always enjoyed learning and love watching students realize the potential they have daily! During my middle school/high school years I worked hard in math but never thought of myself as a mathematician. I enjoy working with students and helping them discover that mathematics is not genetic - everyone can learn and understand mathematics! I always thought I would teach science, but math is where it's at! I LOVE it!
Favorite Books:
This question is to hard to answer...I have always loved Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. The entire Harry Potter series is magical! As an adult, I love The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (along with many of her other books) and Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I have several favorite authors including Alice Hoffman, Susan Collins, Kaya McLaren, Amor Towle,s Fredick Bakmanand the list goes on! I enjoy historical fiction and suspense especially!
Interests & Hobbies:
Anything outdoors! My husband and I whitewater raft and tent camp with our friends and family (my kids LOVE being in the dirt)! I am a runner and have been distance running for 25 years. Although I no longer run marathons I have finished 11 in the past. I also enjoy triathlons (or did before I had kids). Traveling is also an interest. My dream destination is to take my family to Kenya and Tanzania to see the wildebeest migration, to Alaska to see the aurora borealis and back to New Zealand (because it's spectacular)!
Courses Taught:
I taught fifth grade for five years before moving back sixth grade to teach mathematics!
About my classroom:
My goal for every student is to see themselves as mathematicians! I teach collaboration, perseverance, problem solving and joy! My classroom is a movement classroom. I have mushroom chairs and stools that allow for movement along with exercise balls, swivel seats, an exercise bike seat, and stand up desks with stability stands (they look like skateboards without wheels). I have a classroom created environment that supports learning, engagement and fun!