I used to line up my stuffed animals and teach them in my bedroom when I was growing up. Being an educator is a calling, and one I choose to answer with purpose and passion everyday. I’ve been actively involved in education for 16 years, find the profession rewarding beyond measure, and can’t think of a more fulfilling way to make a difference for the better. I teach to serve my community, to love and to care, to empower, and to learn. I started my teaching career with Teach for America in Phoenix, Arizona. I came home to the Bay Area and have been with LASD ever since. My experience has primarily been as a classroom teacher, in both kindergarten and 4th grade. I’ve also enjoyed dabbling in administration as an interim school principal, summer school principal, and administrative designee (teacher in charge) at various school sites. I’m a Bay Area native and have been proudly public school educated from elementary school through graduate school with B.A. degrees from UC Berkeley (Go Bears!) in Political Science and Mass Communications, a Master’s in Education and teaching credential from Arizona State University, and an Administrative Credential from National University. I live in San Mateo with my husband Derek, and two boys Dominic (6) and Carson (1). Outside the classroom you can find me surrounded by family and friends, playing with my boys, catching a live music show, watching or attending a Giants/49ers/Warriors/Cal game, gardening, cooking, reading a good book, or shopping.