Where are you from?

I grew up on the East Coast! I grew up in Wethersfield, Connecticut, just south of Hartford, CT. Three years ago, I drove 3,000+ miles cross-country with my significant other, who grew up in Hoquiam, to start my new life in Washington! We spent seven months in West Seattle and moved to Ocean Shores in 2018 when my significant other was hired as Education Manager for Quinault Indian Nation.

High school and college experience

I graduated from Wehersfield High School in 2009. After that, I went to Emerson College in Boston, MA where I studied Writing with a concentration in Fiction. I earned my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in 2013. In 2015, I earned my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Connecticut, also earning my teaching certificate with a concentration in English/Language Arts for grades 7-12.

Teaching experience

This will be my sixth year as a teacher overall, and my third year teaching at North Beach!

Previously, I taught 9th grade Literature, reading intervention and SAT prep at Achievement First Hartford High School in Hartford, CT for two years. When I moved to Washington, I taught P.E and Creative Writing for a semester at Summit Atlas, a combined middle/high school, in West Seattle. I started as a substitute teacher at North Beach Jr/Sr High, and was hired to teach high school English for the 2018-19 school year! My role has changed since then, but I’m still incredibly proud to call myself a Hyak!

Teaching Philosophy

I hope to instill in my students a passion for storytelling, empower them to express their unique perspectives, sharpen their analytical skills as readers, writers and thinkers and foster a classroom environment where they rise to be culturally responsive, equitable, empathetic and emotionally safe.

Areas of Knowledge 

I teach Middle School and High School Film, mixed media journalism and forensic science.

I have been a writer of fiction for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I would act out my own original movies using my toys and perform them for my little sister. I wrote my first screenplay when I was in 5th grade (I wrote the sequel in sixth grade) and I wrote my own sports magazine in fourth grade. After that,I continued to write voraciously (poems, songs, short stories, plays) and for my BFA thesis I wrote a collection of short stories called, “Why You Hate The Kid You Were.” Additionally, I was a TV and movie critic for an online publication called Blast Magazine for four years. My passions continue to be creative writing, TV and movie criticism and all things related to storytelling.

Before I began my career as a teacher, I was a facilitator and trainer who traveled to different schools to conduct workshops on social justice, prejudice reduction, bullying prevention and oppression. When I started teaching, I directed my attention to specifically created professional development for my colleagues and workshops for students as well within my district. I hope to continue that work this year!

Coaching

Last year, I began my coaching career as an assistant coach for our middle school football and basketball teams. This year, I will serve as Head Football coach for Middle School.

Words of Wisdom 

“What is success? To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” - Reinhold Niebuhr

Favorite Quote

"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain." - Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight (2008)

“We are what they grow beyond. That is the true burden of all [teachers].” - Yoda, The Last Jedi (2017)

How would you describe yourself and your hobbies and interests?

Obviously, as a former critic and Film teacher, I watch a lot of movies. I have watched over 100 new-to-me movies so far this year (and 30+ TV shows). I watch movies of all genres, but I especially love science fiction, fantasy, psychological and social thrillers, satire and parody, mysteries and of course superhero movies. Lately, I’ve been trying to watch more classic and  foreign films. Turns out, other countries have awesome movies, too! I’m also a big sports fan. Go Yankees (for baseball)! Go Lakers (for basketball)! And Fly Eagles Fly (for football)! I’m also the proud parent of a fur baby, my cat named Buffy the Mouse Slayer (that one’s for my 90s nerds).