I am so excited to be the music teacher at Bessie Coleman Elementary! Here's a section I call, "Meet a Music Teacher" for you to know a little bit more about me.
I grew up in Grants Pass, Oregon with my three siblings. I graduated with a degree in Music History (vocal performance) from the University of Oregon in 2008 and received my Masters in Music Education at Oregon State in 2009. In between all of this I married my husband, Josiah, and we decided to pack everything up and move to the Caribbeanl!
For three years, I lived on a tiny island in the West Indies called St. Kitts, teaching at a private american school called Ross Prep.The students were from all over the world and I loved hearing music and doing dances that reflected different cultures. I taught all music classes; pre-school through ninth grade, two choirs, and private piano and voice lessons after school. In addition to music classes, I taught the Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten class and learned everything from hand-print drawings galore to what a real British tea party should be!
Although homesick for family in Oregon, I met my Kittitian (St. Kitts equivalent to 'American') family which comprised of my community choir, the Saint Christopher Choral Society. I accompanied, sang soprano solos, and directed this quality choir from 2009-2012.
Aside from music, I love playing soccer, yoga, reading, hiking, swimming, river-rafting, and snowboarding. My husband, son, Jimi and daughter, Jane plus my eight nieces and nephews and my large dog (London (the weimaraner) in the picture above) and garden keep me busy and happy!
Back in Oregon in 2012, I taught K-5 music and choir for six years at Lincoln Elementary School in Corvallis, OR.
I'm so grateful to be the music teacher at Bessie Coleman Elementary and I look forward to getting to know you!