I’m married to my wonderful husband Patrick, and together we are raising our daughter, Lindee. Our family is also home to three cats, Gabby, Red, and Chunkin, and our newest addition, Albert, a sweet pug mix who has become our classroom pet! Animals have always been a big part of my life, so I love having the opportunity to share that love with my students.

I love finding joy in the little things like animals, glitter, crafting, shopping, laughter, and especially Halloween! I also love hands-on projects and new adventures, which is one of the many reasons Montessori is such a perfect fit for me.

I have been teaching for 21 years and for 18 of those years I taught children ages 3-6 . I am now teaching children from 6-9 years old and I am loving all the creativity and the second plane of development.  What I love most about Montessori is that we are not simply giving children information. We are helping them become confident, curious, independent thinkers who understand their place in their community and the larger world. The Lower Elementary years are such an exciting time because children naturally begin asking big questions and wanting to understand how and why things work.  

This summer, after 2 years of learning and classes, I earned my Lower Elementary Montessori Certificate from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Continuing my Montessori education has strengthened my understanding of how children learn, grow, and develop independence during these important elementary years.

My goal as a Montessori guide is to prepare an environment where children can explore, make connections, and discover answers for themselves. I want each child to feel respected, valued, and confident in their own abilities.