About me

I grew up outside of the city in South Orange, New Jersey in an incredibly supportive and welcoming community. My childhood was spent consumed by the performing arts, from playing cello to dance and musical theater. I graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University with a bachelors degree in Urban Studies, and have returned to pursue a Masters of Architecture and M.S. in Critical, Curatorial, and Conceptual Practices. Outside of school, both professionally and personally, I have devoted my time to empowering children through education and the arts.

This passion initially began by teaching private cello lessons to children on the autistic spectrum in high school, working with both verbal and non-verbal children, ages 10-18. I find it incredibly fulfilling to connect over a shared language of music, and have even continued to teach some of my original students (now remotely). In college, I worked with the American Ballet Theatre in their education outreach department, programming and leading family programs. Nowadays, the majority of my time outside of grad school is devoted to teaching Hebrew School at several synagogues on the Upper West Side, ranging from Reform to Reconstructionist to non-denominational. I teach grades 2, 3, 5, and 7, and specifically work as a special needs assistant for one class. I have babysat a wide range of ages in the past, with responsibilities including driving, accompanying children on the subway to and from activities, cooking meals, and even getting one suited up in hockey gear! Lastly, having worked for Columbia’s admissions office in college, I tutor high school seniors in the fall, helping them with college selections and essays.

My love of children stems from their sense of curiosity, creativity, and energy. As a child who experienced significant anxiety growing up, I value my strong sense of empathy for children - not only their needs and feelings, but their strength and resiliency as well. I absolutely love to connect with my kids over any creative pursuits, and be another affirming and supporting presence in their lives. Believing in a child’s potential can often generate the most meaningful relationships!