About Me

Hello! I am originally from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania but have lived in Austin since 2009.  I received my B.S. in Biology from Muhlenberg College.  Directly after, I moved to Austin to pursue a Ph.D. in Cell & Molecular Biology at UT Austin.  About 3 years in, after passing my prelim, I found that I enjoyed teaching the most. The decision to switch to teaching came shortly after I received the TA of the Year Award for the School of Biological Sciences from my Cell Biology students, confirming that I was meant to teach.  I then made the switch to education and obtain my UTeach teaching certification, and I'm so glad I did!

This is my 12th year at Vandegrift High School (previously taught On-Level Chemistry & Biology, Advanced & IB Biology) and I can't wait to share my passion for this content and engage students as their scientific knowledge grows and develops.  It is my sincere hope that students learn to see themselves as scientists and develop curiosity about the world around them as well as their own critical thinking skills. The 2025-26 school year will be my 11th year teaching MI and 6th year with Advanced Chemistry. 

I coordinate the BACE Industry-Based Certification for MI students.  Additionally, I am the faculty sponsor for Tabletop Alliance (Board Game Club), so if you're interested in quick, casual board games or want to work up to long, complex strategy games, please consider joining us!

I spend most of my time outside of school on fitness: lifting, hot yoga, HIIT, and hiking/trail running. I also enjoy board games (my collection), video games (Skyrim, Persona, Baldur's Gate 3 (DnD: Rogue & Cleric)), reading, escape rooms, horror movies, music, eating sushi/seafood, and the occasional anime.