Welcome! I am beyond excited to continue to teach at Woodlawn as a 4th grade teacher. It is an honor to be a Riverhawk. I have been in education since I graduated from KU's School of Education sixteen years ago. Last year my family and I moved to gorgeous North Lawrence from Kansas City and so it was my first year at Woodlawn. Before moving, I taught in KCK's Turner district, my hometown of Parsons, in Brooklyn and Queens, NY and in West Africa as a teacher trainer for the Peace Corps.
Relationships with my students and their families are foundational for me, and I hope that, together, we will become partners in helping our children thrive and flourish. I will do my best every day to lead with empathy and high expectations. As a teacher it is my role to impart the knowledge and wisdom I've gained through life and my previous mentors onto my students to develop more compassionate and informed citizens of the world.
I'm married to Joel. We have two daughters, Jovian and Lydia. Jovian is a returning Riverhawk to 2nd grade and Lydia will enter kindergarten. When I'm not working, I love tinkering with plant propagation and general gardening. I am a bird nerd and geography geek. As a friend to nature, I love to hike and bike. I also enjoy painting and drawing when time allows.
This year I will be the Garden Club teacher sponsor. We have a lively community garden located near the playground behind the school. Interested in helping? Stay tuned on ways to help and join the Garden Club or shoot me a quick email to express your interest.
I'm looking forward to a wonderful year! Thank you for your dedication to Woodlawn and its stupendous staff and students!