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-two 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 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 ten year old 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 an inquiry and problem-based approach. I integrate service-learning and original scientific research into my curriculum and encourage students to drive their own learning with new and relevant science topics.  I believe that students should not just learn about science, they should DO science!