I earned my degree in Physics and work to instill a foundation of problem solving and critical thinking in my students. Having taught in Folsom Cordova since 2002, I achieved National Board Certification in 2007. I have taught the 1st grade Academy Magnet class at Mather Heights Elementary since its inception in 2010 and love the challenges of leading students to a deeper understanding and application of content. I was selected to represent California as a 2014 finalist for the President’s Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching and am crossing my fingers as I await the national results! I currently serve as chair of the 15-member California Teacher Advisory Council, where I teams with industry professionals and state policy leaders to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education in the public schools.

I've also traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak to the U.S. Congress about improving university-level teacher training. Locally, I'm a member of the FCUSD Professional Development Cadre where I facilitate teacher training and the implementation of Common Core standards. My enthusiasm for education has also led me overseas; I've ventured to India to help train local teachers and to Nicaragua to assist in constructing a school. I spent several years working with the People to People Student Ambassador Program where I led high-school groups through Australia.