About Me

I am a National Board certified teacher. I received my bachelor’s degree in English and biology from Allegheny College in 1996. After writing and editing for eight years (most recently as a science writer for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory), I changed careers. I completed my teaching certification and master’s degree in aesthetic education at the University of Denver. I have a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Denver as well. My dissertation focused on formative influences on ecological mindedness. I am so honored to have won an Impact on Education award in 2014. (Here's a video!) In 2017 I received an Outstanding Contributor to Arts Education award from Think 360 Arts for Learning.

Since 2005 I have been on the faculty for the summer Institute for Creative Teaching (a partnership between the University of Denver and Think 360 Arts for Learning), helping teachers learn how to bring the arts and creativity into the classroom. I also continue to write. From 2005 to 2018 I freelanced for Boulder Magazine, and now my primary focus is travel writing.