I started teaching Younger Kids at Rivendell in 2001 shortly after moving to Colorado from Illinois. I was drawn to the alternative it provided to whole class instruction and the mixed age groupings which seemed a fun way to teach.

My teaching philosophy is predicated on the idea that all students can learn essential life skills when they are given a chance to both struggle and make mistakes in a safe environment. I work a great deal with my students to overcome their struggles and fears of making mistakes that often hold humans back from trying new things. While I do take pride in the academic hurdles overcome by my students, I believe that the social and emotional growth I see is the greatest sign of my educational successes with my students.

I have one child, Violet, who was born in 2005. My spouse works as a special education and literacy teacher at another local elementary school. We have one dog, Katie Mae, who takes it upon herself to run the household. Outside of school I love camping, paddle boarding, traveling, music, following international soccer and attending live events and shows with my friends and family.