About me

Ever since first grade-- when I ushered my younger twin sisters into the basement and made them be my students while I played "School"-- I've been a natural-born teacher. I love using life moments to educate children, and to show young people that learning can happen all the time--not just in a classroom.

I've spent most of my childcare experience working with non-traditional students and learners---from four and five year olds who just couldn't sit still through a math lesson to high schoolers who used theater and performance poetry to explore issues of identity and community struggles. As a writer and performance poet, my passion for art allows me to approach childcare creatively, actively seeking out opportunities to express themselves and find their voices. Although I am an artist, I am hardly the stereotypical spaced-out poet--I am a punctual, reliable person who's also served in management roles in food service and served the community at emergency housing centers for homeless youth.

When working with young people, I seek always to create an environment that allows for self-expression and asking questions. As someone who studied community service learning and social justice in college, it is important to me to urge children to be curious about not only themselves but also the world and people around them. As a teaching artist, a camp counselor, or a youth counselor, the greatest moments of my childcare career have always been watching a child make a new discovery, or share a drawing or poem they've created, and realizing how proud they are of themselves. In a world that often teaches us to hide our accomplishments and curiosity, I strive to create opportunities for children to showcase themselves and always stay proud of everything they are accomplishing.