I’m going to be honest:
My work entirely focuses on the individual student and their capacity for autonomy and empowerment. I pride myself on getting to know students and families and helping them discover what they want, look past what might be obvious, and reframe what a “good” school is. This means that I work with all types of students and honor their unique path rather than work to push students to a particular “brand” of school. My work with families is personal and meaningful.
I have taught and learned from teenagers in many capacities throughout my adult life. My passion is for the relationships I build with students and their families and the support I can offer as I learn alongside my clients and students. Knowledgeable, intuitive, and humble, I am committed to leveraging my knowledge to help students while always seeking to advance my understanding of students and their academic pursuits. I am as passionate a learner as I am a teacher and guide.
As a National Board Certified instructor (focus on Adolescent Learning) with a Master’s Degree in Education, I have also earned credentials in Multiple Subjects (K-5), English Language Arts (CA 6-12), and English Language Arts and English Language Learners Endorsements on a Professional Teaching Certificate in the State of Washington. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Santa Clara University and implemented that training and development as a professional actor, director, and theatre educator (primarily of teens aged 12-18). I firmly believe that my theatre experience expanded my ability to have compassion and empathy for the many different ways people approach their lives; with this lens, I capably see and honor people’s gifts. I have taught in two states and work part-time for the University of California Santa Cruz’s Extension as an instructor in their Education Department. I also hold certificates in Independent Educational Consulting, Instructional Design and Delivery, and Online Teaching, and I am a member of IECA.
With a focus on the individual value each person brings to the world, I am focused not on “What college will accept me?” but rather, “What college values me?” There are many places to explore in this country, many outstanding institutions of higher learning, and many pathways. There is not a “one-size-fits-all” road out of high school, and my goal is to provide students and families with as many tools as possible to choose the best road for them…knowing that when they arrive, the school will welcome and honor the choice the student makes to be there.
My goal is to help students see their unique contributions and passions as assets to the world. By guiding them towards this goal, students can recognize their capacity and are empowered to meaningfully engage in their communities and build happy lives.