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 fourteen years at both the middle and high school level. I have recently received my National Board Certification in Science Education. I have both my Masters 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. 

Interests/Hobbies: 

Amateur Homesteading (I live on a small farm in Northwest Fort Collins), Backcountry/ Telemark Skiing, Stand Up Paddleboardiing, Trail Running, Mountain Biking, Wilderness Expeditions, and adventuring with my four 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: 

Biology, Health, Zoology, Microbiology, Botany, Anatomy/Physiology, Astronomy, Horticultural Science, and Environmental Science

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!