I attended elementary (Bernardston, MA.) and high school (Northfield, MA.) in a small rural area in western Massachusetts. The positive small school experience led me to attend a small college, but one that was away from where I grew up (I needed a change of scenery). This led me to Saint Joseph’s college of Maine. My time at Saint Joseph’s was quiet, but it opened my mind and heart to education as a job and a passion (and led me to meet the love of my live, my husband).

After receiving my degree in 2003, I moved to the Berkshires in Massachusetts and took a job in Special Education working with an autistic student. This experience increased my knowledge and understanding of Special Education. After a year, I felt that the 4-½ hour drive to Maine to see my fiancé was too much, so I moved back to Maine. In June 2004, I took a job working at Steven’s Brook Elementary (located in Bridgton, Maine) in Title 1, supporting 1st through 4th grade students in the areas of Math and Reading. In 2005, my Title 1 position was moved to Sebago Elementary in Sebago, Maine.

The few years that I worked in Title 1 offered me many opportunities to explore educational instruction and practice. I started my Master’s through Lesley University in Literacy. During one of the courses, I was inspired to make a difference at my school through multicultural education. This led to my application and award of a grant to start a multicultural reading program with 1-4^th grade students. In 2007, I applied and received a third grade position at Songo Locks Elementary School in Naples, Maine. During my first year at Songo Locks, I completed my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction: Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing.

When I am not in my classroom teaching I lead a study group, serve on the Teacher Facilitator Team, Transition Team, and Response to Intervention Reading Committee. Also, I am one of the founders of the New England Regional Teacher Leadership Initiative (NERTLI). NERTLI is an organization for teachers to learn about educational policy and find opportunities for involvement.

Besides my passion for education, I enjoy running, traveling and spending time with my husband and cat, Oreo.