Teachers

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Welcome to TK! 

I am so looking forward to being part of the Transitional Kindergarten team this year. This is my 12th year at Albert Einstein Academies and my 27th year as an educator. Before joining AEA in 2015, I spent 15 wonderful years teaching students from Transitional Kindergarten through 6th grade in National City after earning my teaching credential from UCSD.

I first came to AEA as both a teacher and a parent when my son began Kindergarten here. Watching him grow as an IB learner and experience the German immersion program through middle school showed me just how special this community is. We came for the German, but the IB threads woven through every area of the experience at AEA proved to be the foundation that has helped make him who he is today.  He now attends San Diego High School, and I remain grateful for the experiences and challenges AEA provided. My hope is that every child in our class will discover their own strengths through the IB Learner Profile while building confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

I earned my bachelor's degree in Visual Arts and Media from UC San Diego, a master's degree in Educational Technology from National University, and an Early Childhood Education Certificate from UC San Diego Extension. I also enjoy studying German and love challenging myself with language learning on Duolingo. I have been fortunate to take 2 trips to Germany and host 2 German Interns in our home since joining AEA.  Our family only started learning German 12 years ago, but it has become a fun and important part of our family identity. My background in visual arts means you'll often see me capturing classroom moments through photos and videos so we can celebrate our learning together.

Outside of school, my wife and I enjoy volunteering with the San Diego Civic Dance Association and cheering on our son's passion for dance. When I'm not at AEA, you'll usually find me at a dance performance, exploring our Normal Heights neighborhood with our dogs, Roxie and Nacho, or FaceTiming family that live out of the area.

I am truly looking forward to getting to know your child and your family. Together, we'll create a joyful, caring, and connected TK community where every child feels they belong.