A little background information...

Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, for as long as I can remember, I have always loved being around children even as a child myself. I would play teacher and have my friends or stuffed animals be the students. I did a lot of babysitting, took a job as a summer nanny, and took high school classes on child development. My family moved to Iowa after I started high school, but my passion never changed.

After a year in college, I moved to be with my parents in Florida. I graduated with a degree in elementary education from the University of Central Florida. I could not wait to have my own classroom! I spent a year as a substitute teacher because teaching jobs were scarce, at the time. I substituted in all grades (K-5), including special education, and loved each experience. My first teaching job was third grade. I was able to be creative and pass along my love of learning.

I taught second and third grade for fifteen years, when a new opportunity to establish a gifted education program arose at the school where I was teaching.. I was ready for a change, so I went back to school and earned my Master's degree in Gifted Education K-12 from Nova Southeastern University. I got the job and taught gifted students from four other local elementary schools. A different grade level would come to my classroom Monday through Thursday and we would do a full day of integrated activities, focusing on creative and critical thinking, as well as problem solving skills. On Fridays, I would pull students from each grade level for an hour at a time to participate in enrichment activities, mostly in math and science.

I continued teaching when I moved to North Carolina, landing an incredible job as an Academically and Intellectually Gifted Specialist. I traveled to three different elementary schools to deliver push-in lessons (going into classrooms to work with the teacher and teach differentiated lessons). Once a month, all of the gifted students in 4th and 5th grades (on separate days) would gather for a H.O.L.E. (Hands On Learning Extravaganza) Day focused on a specific subject. These days were filled with activities to get the students working in teams or individually to focus on critical thinking and problem solving activities. These special days were the highlight of my job and seemed to really engage the students.

After five years, my husband and I moved to Colorado, where I was hired to teach middle school math and science at a charter school. The work was different, but I really enjoyed the students and realized that I am a bit of a math geek. I always knew that science was a passion, but I added math to the mix and STEM became a huge interest for me. It was a difficult year and due to some unforeseen medical issues, I had to take a leave of absence from teaching.

Being out of the classroom was difficult for me, so I found a new way to continue my passion. I began tutoring and absolutely love the one-on-one of helping a student to better understand a concept, by playing games, reviewing material and presenting information in different ways. I began working with students in all grade and ability levels, from 1st through 12th grade to remediate, enrich, and guide through whatever academic situation needed. I have helped students to pass the GED test, high school students at risk of failing, middle school students in algebra and other advanced mathematics, and elementary students who need reinforcement of skills or extra enrichment to get ahead.

Children have different learning styles and each is unique. I take pleasure in designing specific lessons to fit each individual student. I especially love when I see the "lightbulb" and "aha" moments. I take my job seriously and design lessons according to state standards and individual child's needs. I can't wait to work with you!