What inspired you to get into the field of education?:
I come from a family of educators and I am married to an educator. I grew up understanding the importance of being a public servant. After spending a good bit of time considering being a doctor or an environmental engineer I drew on my family roots and chose a vocation in public education.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?:
The most rewarding part of my job teaching science is supporting students to be problem solvers in their world.
General background information (years in education, degree(s), Universities/Colleges attended):
I have been teaching sciences for twenty-five years at both the middle and high school levels. I have recently received my National Board Certification in Science Education. I have both my Master's Degree in Education and a degree in Biology from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. I am currently working on an additional Masters of Science from Montana State University. I also maintain a current Wilderness First Responder Certification for Polaris Intensives, Adventure, and Fieldwork experiences and am CTE Certified in Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Leadership.
Interests/Hobbies:
Amateur Homesteading (I live on a small farm in Northwest Fort Collins), Backcountry/ Telemark Skiing, Kayaking, Trail Running, Mountain Biking, Wilderness Expeditions, and adventuring with my daughter and husband.
Thought-Provoking Quote:
"Be tough, yet gentle. Humble, yet bold. Swayed always by beauty and truth. Bob Pieh" - Bob Peigh, Voyageur Outward Bound
My Classrom
Courses Taught:
High School Science:
Biology, Zoology, Microbiology, Botany, Anatomy/Physiology, Astronomy, Horticultural Science, Environmental Science, and River Systems,
CTE Natural Resources Pathway
FRCC Colorado Wildlife, FRCC Forestry, FRCC Intro to Natural Resources, FRCC Fish and Wildlife Management, FRCC Hydrology
CTE Outdoor Leadership Pathway
FRCC Outdoor Leadership, FRCC Wilderness First Aid, FRCC Leave No Trace, FRCC River Orientation, FRCC Snow Orientation, FRCC Mountain Orientation, FRCC Mountain Leadership
About My Classroom:
Science in my classroom is loud, messy, and real. I take an inquiry and problem-based approach, integrating service-learning and original scientific research into everything I teach — because I believe students shouldn't just learn about science, they should DO science. Whether they're surveying lichen bioindicators along the Front Range, monitoring water quality on the Poudre River, or applying physiology and decision-making in a Wilderness First Responder scenario, my students are working with real data, real stakes, and real consequences. I encourage them to chase the questions that matter to them, and I get out of the way so they can drive their own learning.