Cre8it

“The mind does not require filling like a bottle, but rather, like wood, it only requires kindling to create in it an impulse to think independently and an ardent desire for the truth.”  - Plutarch, On Listening

While I may not be creating lifelong Latin scholars, my great mission in life is to be the flame from which a student ignites their own burning passion for learning so as to live their fullest possible lives. 

To live what I preach, I have a demonstrable commitment to lifelong learning as I am currently pursuing my Masters in Educational Technology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a projected finish date in August of 2024, during which time I will earn an E-Learning certificate so I can hone my ability to best prepare my students for the rapidly changing world in which we live. In 2021, I completed a post-baccalaureate certificate in Latin Studies through the University of Kentucky. I earned my Master’s in Education with a concentration on teaching a world language in the secondary classroom from Temple University in 2015, and I got my BA in Ancient Greek and Latin from Boston University in 2009. 

I have been a high school Latin teacher for 12 years, and I have experience in private, charter, and public education in and around Philadelphia.

As an educator, I leverage technology and student-centered learning to coach high school students to success in the Spanish language and culture. Creative problem-solving, learning design, and building multimedia resources have been essential in my work for the last 7 years. My contributions outside of the classroom include participating in curriculum writing and serving as the Spanish department lead.

I am pursuing a M.Ed. in Educational Technology with graduate certificates in E-learning and instructional design. I look forward to a career in instructional technology and helping others build engaging learning experiences. 

I have always found joy in the creative process and problem solving, and each of my professional roles has contributed to my continuous learning and expanding my abilities. 

Professionally I have been involved in various creative roles, working as an independent consultant supporting the design needs for management consultants, and on learning development and marketing teams where I created content, developed curriculums and eLearning, and lead live webinar facilitation. 

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Cincinnati with a minor in Design, and I am currently completing a Master of Education degree in Instructional Technology from the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley with additional certifications in eLearning, Instructional Design, and Technology Leadership. I currently reside in the Austin, TX metro area, and upon completion of my M.Ed. degree, I will pursue opportunities in the corporate Learning Development business segment.

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X

I strongly believe that education is of great importance in each of our lives. As an educator, I do my best to provide a welcoming environment where my students feel comfortable to be creative and learn through a variety of ways. My hope is that they leave my class with a bit more knowledge, as well as confidence to take on the future that awaits them.

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in middle school math, and I have been teaching for four years. Now, I am pursuing a Master's Degree in Educational Technology, with a certification in Technology Leadership, to hopefully further my knowledge as an educator and grow in the profession. 

“If we marry educational technology with quality, enriching content, that’s a circle of win.” –LeVar Burton

I believe in empowering learners by giving them the tools they need to engage with quality material while improving their knowledge and skills.

For over fifteen years, I have worked in university-based and military language programs. I have also been an examiner and item creator for standardized tests. I’m currently an instructor and teacher trainer in Advanced English at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

My bachelor’s degree is in Spanish, and I have a Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing. As a current student in the UTRGV Educational Technology program, I am pursuing my master’s degree with a graduate certificate in Instructional Design. Combining my instructional experience with the latest technological tools, I hope to continue to create effective, meaningful learning opportunities for learners.