"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked in which you can walk with love and reverence.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

I have pursued my LOVE for teaching and learning along a crooked, awesome and adventurous path. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Miami University (Ohio) in 1998. I went on to then pursue a Master’s degree in Geosciences from Oregon State University (2001) studying the explosive eruptive behavior of volcanoes in the Andes of northern Chile. As a graduate student at Oregon State, I was awarded a teaching fellowship, which indirectly led me on a path to teach high school science in Scottsdale, Arizona. I lived in Arizona for five years, teaching Earth and Space Science, Chemistry, and Algebra before returning to my hometown roots in Central Ohio. During my transition back to Ohio, I worked as a science content editor and writer for the McGraw Hill Companies, while continuing to teach Natural Science and Geology as an Adjunct Professor at Columbus State Community College. It was then that my path took yet another turn bringing me back into the classroom full time, teaching middle and high school science for New Albany Plain Local Schools. I pursued a second Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on STEM education from the University of Cincinnati. My education and experience as a scientist in the field has been instrumental in the design of some crazy cool STEM-themed expeditions for NAPLS students.

This is my eighth year teaching science in the district. For the first five years of my tenure here, I taught 8th grade science. This year marks the start of my third year teaching at New Albany High School. Along my crooked path, this has by far been the best twist and turn in my travels. I currently teach two of my MOST favorite science subjects, Physical Geology and College Prep Chemistry. I believe the best way to learn is by doing. Experimental, experiential, relevant and real-world lessons are at the heart of my science curriculum. At the start of the school year, I welcome my students to the most important class they will ever take. In Physical Geology, I make it crystal clear that we study more than just ROCKS. “Nature is ever at work building and pulling down, creating and destroying, keeping everything whirling and flowing, allowing no rest but in rhythmical motion, chasing everything in endless song out of one beautiful form into another.” ~ John Muir

Aside from my reverent pursuit and passion for science, I have an unconditional and infinite love of family and friends. My husband, Adam, is a video and audio technician at Franklin University. He is a rockstar and is passionate about playing guitar, recording and music production. We have two beautiful, curly-haired cherubs at home. Olivia (Livvy) is a nature-enthusiast just like her mom, loves superheroes and science, and started kindergarten this year. Etta is almost 8 months old, loves rock and roll, and has a contagious laugh and chubby cheeks. They are our everything. Together, we love traveling to the Metro and National Parks, hiking, climbing trees and mountains, eating ice cream and rocking out to any and all music (except RAP and maybe country).