My teachers profoundly impacted my life, offering me opportunities to explore my interests while supporting me through challenging life circumstances. Their guidance fueled my passion for education and led me to pursue hands-on teaching experiences at an early age.

This commitment to learning and observing as a means of growth became the foundation of my teaching philosophy, The Intellectual Educator—a holistic approach focused on strengthening the relationships between teachers, students, and their own intellectual processes.

While earning my B.S. in Art Education at Kutztown University, I embraced every opportunity to grow in knowledge and experience. I was exposed to innovative educational philosophies, including Reggio-Emilia, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, and Waldorf models, and learned from educators working in diverse environments such as prisons, churches, and museums. My educational philosophy was presented at the 2016 National Art Education Association conference, and I was honored with the Ella M. Schaefer Award for leadership in arts education.

After graduating, I returned to Hershey determined to use my skills to better my community. In my roles as Artist in Residence and Director of Faith Formation, I developed play-based and child-led curriculums that reimagined church school models, engaging families and supporting children’s development. These experiences deepened my belief in the importance of fostering family involvement in a child's learning journey.

My passion for early childhood education led me to work in Montessori classrooms, where I supported children’s independence and growth mindsets through observation, guidance, and reflection. These experiences profoundly shaped my understanding of the critical role early education plays in building a strong foundation for life. Recognizing the barriers many families face in accessing quality education, I became dedicated to creating inclusive and innovative programs.

Most recently, I served as Shared Director of Lifespan Religious Education in a shared role between two Unitarian Universalist congregations, where I built community networks, created family-focused programming, and supported early education initiatives. This role allowed me to manage complex operations, guide transitions, and implement creative solutions to serve families and communities more effectively.

I believe that teaching is a work of art, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the child, the family, and the community. My journey has brought me to a place where I am ready to create lasting change, not just through my own teaching but by building and supporting systems that uplift us all.

I am ready to turn my past experiences into a stronger sense of presence and vision for the future.