EDUCATION
Before becoming a teacher, I worked in higher education for the better part of a decade. I worked at St. John's University (Queens, NY), Miami University (Oxford, OH), The Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL), and most recently, Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA). This meant frequent moves and lots of earned education along the way.
I consider myself a life-long learner, and look to find something new in each day. The lessons I learned while working at colleges and universities across the Northeast and Midwest have helped to shape me as a teacher. Below you can read more about my educational journey; clicking on each seal will bring you to the University's website.
Graduate Experience
Boston College - Master of Education, Elementary Education, 2010
I started working at BC in January 2007, and by July, I was enrolled in my first education course. My supervisor knew right away that I was meant to be in the classroom. While working full time as a Resident Director, I steadily chipped away at a degree in Elementary Education. The Jesuits have a strong teaching history and believe in educating the whole person. They feel that social and emotional growth is necessary for intellectual growth to occur. This philosophy along with their mottoes 'Ever to Excel', 'Care for the Whole Person', and 'Set the World Aflame' are always present in my mind as I develop curriculum and lessons.
Miami University (Ohio) - Master of Arts, Communication and Rhetoric, 2006
After a year of working at St. John's University in New York City, moving to the middle-of-nowhere Ohio, was surprisingly exciting, fun, and unforgettable. I loved my time at Miami, and live by their motto, 'Love and Honor'. There is a deep love between graduates, and I made some of my strongest friendships during this time in Oxford, OH. I was an Academic Advisor, Residence Hall Director, and full-time graduate student. These years were busy, but very fulfilling.
Undergraduate Experience
Syracuse University - Bachelor of Science, Communication and Rhetoric, 2001
There is no denying my love for Syracuse University! I bleed orange. Syracuse shaped me into the person that I am today (my family had a huge influence in that area as well), and fostered a strong sense of social and racial justice. I was a Resident Advisor for three years in freshman residence halls, and that convinced me to give higher education a try professionally. In Residence Life, we had five shared core values: Quality, Caring, Diversity, Innovation, and Service. These remain guiding pillars in my life to this day.
