Over my 28 years in education, I have had a variety of experiences. After earning my Bachelors Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, I started my career as a classroom teacher in Pennsylvania. When I earned my Masters Degree in K-12 Reading, I moved into a position as a reading specialist and math intervention teacher. This position was unique, because I was employed by a public organization, but I served nonpublic schools including small Catholic and Mennonite schools in south-central Pennsylvania. In this role, I wrote and implemented individualized plans of instruction for remedial reading and math students in kindergarten through eighth grade. While employed with this program, I also served as an educational consultant where I had the opportunity to attend a variety of conferences, workshops, and trainings. In my role as consultant, I planned and presented numerous workshops, trainings, and book studies for my reading specialist colleagues and the classroom teachers in the schools our program served. I also acted as a coach and mentor for the teachers in my kindergarten through eighth grade buildings. Prior to leaving Pennsylvania, I continued my own education and earned a Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor Certificate.

When our family moved to Florida in 2018, I took on a role as an instructional literacy coach in a Title I elementary school. Although I was new to Florida, the district, the school, and the coaching role, I quickly built relationships and became a trusted leader in my building and across the district. I visited classrooms on a daily basis in order to provide teacher feedback. I led grade level teams in weekly data analysis and planning. I provided professional development to teachers and teams. I also had the opportunity to create family curriculum nights. At these themed events, families worked together to complete standards-based activities in reading, math, and science.  This new role allowed me to grow professionally in many ways. I was able to travel to New York City to attend The Writing Institute at Columbia University. I received training from Jim Knight's Instruction Coaching Group. After only a year with the district, I was chosen to present at a conference for district coaches. In addition, I was hired by the district to teach a face-to-face competency five reading endorsement course to current educators. 

Building relationships is super important to me, so I'd like to share some information in order for you to get to know me better! My husband and I have been married for almost 20 years. We adopted our son Cooper as a baby, and he is now in 7th grade...where does the time go? We have three dogs – a German Shorthaired Pointer named Lincoln and two Vizslas named Kenzie and Olive. We love to enjoy the outdoors, explore new places, play board games, and watch Coop play all of his sports! We moved to Florida six years ago from Pennsylvania, which was my one and only home up until that move. From the time I was four years old, I have wanted to be a teacher. It's what I know and love. I am happiest when I see others succeed!

Kenzie

Lincoln

In the summer of 2020, my family moved once again. This time our move (and my husband’s new job) took us to a new county in Florida. With Covid affecting the education world in so many ways, it actually was a benefit to me. I was able to stay on as a virtual coach at my school, even though I was living 1.5 hours away. I continued to support teachers through coaching cycles. I even modeled strategies by teaching lessons via Zoom and Apple TVs! That position led to another position as an instructional coach with a national education company. As a virtual contract coach, I meet regularly with teachers, coaches, and leaders from across the United States to determine goals and work through try/measure/learn coaching cycles. I also facilitate virtual workshops for districts on a variety of topics. 

The pandemic also opened up another opportunity for me. While families were stuck at home, parents were searching for ways to keep their students engaged in education. My best friend and I created virtual reading, writing, and math clubs. We were able to engage with students in a new and fun way. Our clubs brought together students from different parts of the United States. We learned that there are so many ways to make learning engaging in the virtual world.  

I have gained a wealth of knowledge in a variety of educational areas. I'm so excited to apply all that I have learned to this business! I want to help children, parents, and educators to learn and grow! I can't wait to hear how we can partner together to meet your educational needs!

Olive