About Me

My career in education began with the Newark Public Schools in New Jersey as a vocal music teacher for grades pre-K through 8 at three different locations for two consecutive years. Then, I became a 2nd grade teacher at Fairview School in Bloomfield for four years. Following a ten-month maternity leave, I was reassigned as a 6th grade teacher for an additional three years. While with the Bloomfield Public Schools, I established and participated in several committees to create and implement educational programs within our school and at the district level, which enhanced learning and provided enrichment for the students during which I earned my Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision with an emphasis on curriculum development. When my family moved to Upper Freehold Township in NJ, I resigned from my tenured teaching position in Bloomfield because the distance was a considerable factor. After an extended leave to raise my children, I returned to work as a P/T Elementary Music/BSIP Math Teacher at Sharon Elementary School in Robbinsville, NJ in 2008. Due to a staffing cut because the budget was not approved that year, I became a long-term replacement Instrumental Music Teacher at Millstone Elementary School in Millstone, NJ (2010-2011), where I created an elementary school chorus since one did not exist. I am happy to know that the chorus still exists today!

In 2011, I embarked upon a service role that was a critical turning point in my career.  I began a 4-year hiatus from the public education forum because I was called to start a desperately needed youth ministry at my home church. I founded IGNITE Youth Ministry at St. John’s Church in Allentown, NJ and had been serving as the Lead Coordinator since my departure in August 2017. I developed a 4-year curriculum for grades 6-12, recruited a leadership team of adults, delegated responsibilities and roles and trained the older youth members as leaders of the music ministry, small groups  and monthly service projects. This provided the opportunity for me to develop my administrative skills and implement all the gifts and skills I have acquired and developed throughout my lifetime demonstrating my passion and love of teaching, serving and leading.

In 2013, I joined the Restore One team as its Director of RO Ambassadors program.   Based in Greenville, NC, Restore One was a 501c3 that provided restorative care for men and boys who had been trafficked.  It was my responsibility to educate others within communities, schools, and other venues about the warning signs and horrors of this human atrocity and injustice that is prevalent in our world today.  Additionally, I trained other ambassadors to be a voice and a light to shine hope in this darkness.

During this time, I worked from home as a private piano and voice teacher during the evening hours to help support my family. I returned to teaching music part time at Roosevelt Public School in Roosevelt, NJ in 2015 while maintaining my private studio, responsibilities as Lead Coordinator of IGNITE Youth Ministry and at Restore One.  I also served as a Confirmation catechist at St. John’s Church for 12 years, as well as being its Canticle Choir Director since 2006. 

Since moving to Wilmington in 2017, I am the Chorus and Drama Teacher at Roland-Grise, the Director of Music at Immaculate Conception Church and the former Senior Youth Ministry Leader at St. Mark Church.  

As I embark upon my 32nd year as an educator, I am still as excited to see what this year will bring as I was back in 1994!