My education career started in non-traditional settings - space camp counselor and science museum educator. Since coming to Colonial Heights in 2005, I have been able to hone my classroom practice, infusing hands-on activities into every unit. I view myself as a teacher-researcher, constantly analyzing formative and summative assessments and adjusting instruction to help students better understand life science concepts. Then they are able to apply that knowledge to their everyday life. I’ve earned my Masters of Arts in Education in the field of Integrative STEM education curriculum & development and infuse habits of mind from the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics into all of the core concepts. My greatest reward is watching that moment of understanding cross a child’s face and witnessing a student’s confidence grow in his own ability to learn. I believe learning is an active process, and guide my students to develop their own learning toolboxes.