What is your teaching experience?

My teaching experience started when I first moved to the U.S. in 1994 and worked in a full-inclusion preschool for 3 years. I then worked at The Children's Discovery Museum for another 3 years while I attended San Jose State University and received a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development.  Following that, I earned my California Multi-Subject Teaching Credential in 2001. 

I worked in the Cupertino Union School District and taught for 12 years at the same school. The school community felt like a family, and I enjoyed many years there, teaching 2nd through 5th grade. I met my husband there, too! He still teaches 6th grade in Cupertino.

While working in Cupertino, I was introduced to Project Cornerstone, which inspired me to achieve a certificate in Character Education through the University of San Diego.

​After having my second child, I stepped away from the classroom to be with my daughters. I became a Girl Scout troop leader and a "room mom" for my eldest daughter, Genevieve.  I also worked at a parent co-op preschool with my youngest daughter, Adelyn.  (My girls are now 13 years and 17 years!) During that time, I tutored Kindergarten through 8th-grade students in their homes.  Being a mom and a teacher has helped me understand the home-school life balance. It has helped me shape my teaching philosophy to focus on the whole child, instead of just their academic skill set. 

I returned to teaching and joined the fabulous Alta Vista community in 2017 as a first-grade teacher, and I feel continually blessed to be here.  I love working with such a dynamic staff. Our district offers rich professional development and solid leadership. I continue to enjoy learning new ways to connect with my students and tailor my curriculum to the needs of my class.