As a 20-year veteran in education, helping children learn is one of my greatest joys. I am particularly passionate about working with children of poverty. I grew up poor and music was my vehicle to a better life. It was because of music that I received scholarships that enabled me to become the first person in my family to receive a college degree. Through music, I was able to receive a graduate assistantship and earn my Master’s Degree. Several years later, I was able to go back to school and earn my Specialist’s Degree in Educational Administration. Because of the opportunities I was given, it has become my life’s work to give back and help others reach greater achievements than the statistics say that children from poor families will ever have.

I have taught at every grade level K-12. Working with the same students year after year has afforded me the privilege of learning how children grow and learn. It has given me great insight to the emotional changes that students experience throughout their academic career. I have grown a deeper understanding of students and learning through becoming a certified trainer for The Frameworks for Understanding Poverty and Research-Based Strategies by Ruby Payne.

As an Arts Integration Specialist, it is my honor to serve core teachers as they grow in understanding and comfort in using the arts to help their students learn. I will provide a diverse selection of professional development, lesson plans and ideas, experts, and resources for the teachers. I plan to be available to assist in lesson planning and delivery when needed. The benefits of using the arts to help children learn has been well researched and documented, and I look forward to travelling this road of discovery with you.