Why did you choose the subject area that you teach?

My mom was a teacher who also became a librarian. Some of my happiest moments, both with her and now with my students, have revolved around books and the worlds they open up. Stories are powerful, and to be the caretaker of stories (both in books and library visitors) feels like important work. I am also drawn to understanding systems: what works, what doesn't, and how we can build access and create inclusive communities where everyone feels they truly belong.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching and working with students?

Kids are refreshingly authentic. They say what they mean and arrive each day as eager young people who genuinely want to do well. Our role as educators is to protect and nurture that natural curiosity and goodness.

I find it most rewarding to connect with a child and to show them that you see them, think they are amazing, and have their best interest at heart.

Beyond the classroom, what are some of your interests or hobbies?

I love to garden. There's something deeply satisfying about tending to growing things, watching them flourish with the right care and attention—not unlike working with students. I also spent much of my young adult life moving and dancing. I am not in the studio like I once was, but I am passionate about access to the arts for all young people. I volunteer on the board of a local dance foundation, working to provide access and scholarship opportunities for quality dance instruction in the Baltimore area.

What do you hope students will take away from your classes or your mentorship?

I want students to know that I care about them and certainly believe in their academic abilities, but also in their capacity to treat each other well as humans in our world—understanding their impact on others and the ways we care and contribute to something bigger than ourselves. More broadly, I hope they understand that there's a whole community of adults at McDonogh rooting for them.

How do you recharge and find inspiration when you're not in the classroom?

I read! I absolutely love a good resource! Whether it's a new book, an article, or a teaching tool, I'm always on the lookout for materials that inspire or inform my work.