I started my career in education in 2008. I taught ELA and Social Studies in grades 6-8 before making the shift to instructional coaching in 2021. I also hold a master's degree in education from Loyola University with a focus on social justice curriculum development.

Education demands continuous growth, and I embrace the challenge of adapting to new shifts and innovations. As an instructional coach, I am honored to partner with the most dedicated staff in District 73.5, collaborating to meet their goals while ensuring our students receive engaging, equitable, and socially conscious learning opportunities.

Fun Fact: I've ridden on the longest non-stop single-track cable car in the world in Da Nang, Vietnam!

"What's next?" That question has always been on my mind, whether as a student, a teacher, or now as an instructional coach. I was a teacher in urban schools for eleven years before working as an EL resource teacher in a suburban Chicago-area school. I love working with students because I got to see, and directly impact, their growth. At the same time, I highly value collaborating with teachers and staff. My belief in always improving my own practice, as well as my interest in collaboration, pointed me in the direction of instructional coaching. I'm always working to improve my practice, and now as a coach, I consider myself very lucky to be able to support teachers in discovering and implementing what's next for them. The common thread throughout my career has always been finding a way to answer: "What's best for kids?"

Fun Fact: I'm afraid of heights, but I've been cliff diving, zip lining, parasailing, hang gliding, and skydiving!

I have always considered myself a life long learner, as is evident from my career path. Prior to coming to District 73.5, I worked in the trading industry, hospital information systems and litigation consulting. Twenty-four years ago when I started my career in education as a 6th grade teacher at McCracken, I found my passion. During my time at McCracken, I have taught 6th, 7th and 8th grade Math, Social Studies, and ELA. For many years I also taught technology classes. When the district began our 1:1 technology programming, I transitioned into a coaching role. I have loved partnering with the hard working, innovative and inspirational teachers. I continue to learn new things daily from the students, teachers, coaches and administrators in the District. I am so proud to be member of a district with such a strong history of excellence.

Fun fact: I have gone hot air ballooning in Australia. 

I could not be more excited to be starting my 12th year teaching as an Instructional Coach here at District 73.5! Throughout my career, I've been so lucky to work as a special education teacher (in therapeutic, self-contained, resource, and co-taught settings) in both high school and elementary schools. I've also had the honor of collaborating with and supporting my school communities as an Instructional Coach and as a Reading Interventionist. I believe that teaching is one of the most demanding, rewarding, and world influencing professions. With all the challenges and roles that teachers take on for their students and families, it's essential that they have the resources, supports, and partnerships needed to reach their goals and find the success they are working towards. I cannot wait to start this next chapter of my career getting to work with and support all the incredibly talented educators in District 73.5 as an Instructional Coach!

Fun Fact: I lived in Japan until I was in 4th grade!!