My enthusiasm for working with children began quite a while back and luckily it has carried me through my career and motherhood. While completing my undergraduate degree at The Ohio State University, my eyes were opened to the incredible capabilities of our youngest learners. I saw young children making incredible growth when given the opportunity to follow their natural curiosities. With the foundation of my beliefs about children established, I was eager to see how children at the elementary level can learn given similar respect and opportunities. I was fortunate to be placed with an amazing mentor while working on my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Once again, I saw how students make incredible growth when careful consideration and planning are given to help meet their academic, social, and emotional needs. After graduating, I wanted to work in a district that would support the type of teaching and learning I had been studying for all those years. Luckily for me, New Albany was just the place!
While teaching 2nd grade in New Albany, my practice has adjusted to meet the needs of students and our curriculum. What always remains the same, however, is what I learned during my time at OSU: children are naturally curious, capable people who will accomplish great things when they are given just the right opportunities and support. This year, I will be utilizing powerful children’s literature, our campus nature preserves, Bridges in Mathematics, and many other resources to help each of our students happily expand their knowledge and create lasting relationships.
Luckily for me, when the school day ends, my time with children just keeps moving right along. My husband Adam and I are parents to three active boys who love soccer! As a family, we love swimming, bike riding, exploring nature, enjoying time with our extended family, and hanging out with our neighborhood friends. I feel very lucky to be living out my dreams, always on the search for how I can make childhood awesome for all the children in my life.