What inspired you to become a teacher?

Working with children and helping them grow into their best selves has always been deeply meaningful to me. I am inspired by the curiosity and joy young learners bring each day, and I feel honored to play a role in guiding their academic and personal development. Teaching allows me to nurture confidence, spark curiosity, and support children as they discover who they are as learners and individuals.

How do you connect with and engage students in the learning process?

My focus is on relationships and educating the whole child. Building strong connections provides the foundation for meaningful learning—when students feel safe, valued, and understood, they are more willing to take risks and take ownership of their learning. I also believe learning should be playful and engaging. Any topic can become exciting when approached with creativity and curiosity, and I strive to create experiences that invite exploration, joy, and active participation.

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

I hope my students leave my classroom feeling loved, confident, and excited about learning. I want them to develop a sense of belonging and agency, understanding that their voice matters and their choices shape their experience. Helping each child find their voice and grow into a thoughtful problem solver is central to my work. Student choice and shared ownership of the classroom environment are important to me, and I encourage children to see our space as a community where they are responsible and valued contributors.

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

Outside the classroom, I recharge through movement and time with family. I enjoy strength training, walking, and cycling, which help me stay energized and focused. I also love spending time with my husband and two children, and whenever possible, we gravitate toward the beach.

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

The relationships built with students and families are the most rewarding part of teaching for me. As a kindergarten teacher, I have the unique privilege of watching students begin their journey and grow over time. Seeing children develop confidence, discover their voices, and reveal their personalities is incredibly meaningful. There is nothing more fulfilling than witnessing a child realize their potential.

Are there any memorable or impactful moments in your teaching career that stand out to you?

Teaching a child to read is one of the most powerful and rewarding experiences in early childhood education. One moment that stands out is when a student read a page independently for the first time and excitedly said, "I think I just read that!" I shared their excitement and replied, "You did just read that!" Seeing that moment of realization, when literacy opens up a whole new world for a child, is a powerful reminder of why I love teaching.