I’m passionate about fostering collaborative learning environments, providing individualized support to learners, and promoting effective teaching practices that drive growth.

Highlights

• Over 10 years in Title I schools, supporting diverse learning needs in underserved communities
• Awarded Teacher of the Year (Aurora Masonic Lodge, 2016)
• 80% increase in data-driven instructional practices
• 45% improvement in student growth rates
• Average NPS of 81 in coaching sessions

My Approach

Approach to Practice

Collaborative Environments

I’ve consistently pursued leadership roles to foster collective action. My experience spans from department chair to leading diverse teams focused on grade-level support (MTSS/RTI/PBIS), instruction (PLCs), and strategic initiatives like social-emotional learning, community connections, and support for language learners. I am driven by the belief that when we bring our unique perspectives and empathy together, we can create a meaningful impact for those who need it most. In practice, this means empowering team members to contribute diverse perspectives, aligning our collaborative efforts with strategic objectives, and facilitating focused discussions that drive us toward shared success.

Inclusive Practices

I strive to create environments where all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential and where we are all willing to be uncomfortable in pursuing learning, growth, and equitable opportunities. I promote equitable and accessible environments that value diversity, foster belonging, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed, recognizing that a strong sense of belonging is a catalyst for self-efficacy and crucial for success. My commitment to inclusivity is evident in my work championing diversity, embedding culturally responsive teaching practices, and developing specialized supports for diverse learning needs. Beyond applying frameworks, I actively seek environments that challenge my perspectives, engage with current societal issues, and prioritize ongoing reflection and growth.

Flexible and Engaging Learning Environments

I am committed to creating dynamic learning environments where individuals are actively involved and supported in ways that respect their needs and preferences. I design engaging learning experiences that foster different types of engagement—cognitive, emotional, and behavioral—recognizing that true engagement involves more than just participation. To support learners effectively, I provide flexible options that offer choice in space, time, and modality, responding to the present moment and individual circumstances. Furthermore, I implement evidence-informed practices, staying current with research while acknowledging the role of context, culture, and experience in the application of new understandings.

Data-Driven Insights

I believe that data tells a story, and I am skilled at uncovering those narratives to drive positive change. I I design and implement data systems to collect and analyze diverse data, both formal and informal, quantitative and qualitative, including performance, feedback, and observational data. By interpreting the stories within this data and making data visible and accessible to others, I identify areas for system improvements, track progress toward goals, inform equitable instructional decisions, and drive positive change in learning outcomes for all learners, empowering them through increased metacognition, efficacy, and autonomy.

Personal Development

• Partnerships for Leaders in Education, University of Virginia (UVA)
• Transformational Coaching with the Bright Morning Team
• Outbound Ed: Standards Institute
• Mt. Saint Vincent: Neurosequential Model of Education (NME)
• Transformational Coaching with Bright Morning Team
• Fierce Conversations
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) 
• Restorative Practices with Resolutionaries Inc.  
• Secondary Constructing Meaning
• Approaches to Literacy for Secondary Newcomer Students with Dr. Nancy Commins