About Me

When I'm not at work, I love a good adventure! I'm happiest out on the water. Give me a place to swim, my kiddos, and my two adorable labradoodles; I'm good to go. Throw in a good book, some good healthy food, and I'm replenished!

Besides my sweet family (pets included), the other thing I love most in the world is collaborative art. I value the synergy that is created when a group is working together to create something of meaning I bring this passion into my work with AIG reading students by creating opportunities for us to enrich our experience with text through drama. I guide students to find and use their voices in a way that can not only be heard, but experienced. I also find ways to enhance collaborative problem-solving with Math AIG students as well. I find that it helps students to push themselves and encourage each other to grow in their thinking and in their communication skills.

My highest degree is my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Academically Gifted Instruction. During my undergraduate work, I studied at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and graduated with honors from Appalachian State University, with a Bachelor of Arts in both English and Theater. While at ASU, I developed a venue to showcase the talents of female performing and visual art students on campus. This showcase forum, Pieces of She, is still produced on ASU's campus; all proceeds from the show are donated to Oasis, a local battled women's shelter in Boone. After graduating, I was awarded a scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design as the first student to enter the graduate program for the Media and Performing Arts Department. At SCAD, I was nominated for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship and gained the opportunity to compete in Richmond and participate in workshops with other nominees from around the southern United States. Working with department chair Jeffrey DeVincent at SCAD shaped my teaching and directing philosophy: a person's true creative potential can only be reached in a positive, safe atmosphere of trust.

My teaching experience began here in Wake County when I launched the kindergarten arts program at Wilburn Elementary, later expanding the program to include drama for all K-5 students. I then developed the Performing Arts program for Franklin Academy in addition to piloting the newspaper and yearbook for the school. After taking a year to stay at home with my two youngest children, I taught English and drama at Clayton High School and served as the school's Poetry Out Loud coordinator. I've been with Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy since it's opening in 2012, serving as the performing arts director, teaching drama and public speaking, working as the middle school instructional facilitator teacher and now serving as the AIG coordinator and testing coordinator as well. I love my job, I love my team, and most of all, I love my girls.