Biography
About Me:
I am an ally to all learners, no matter where they are in their journey. Some learners are just beginning their journey whereas others are focused on providing the tools and insights needed to support the development of lifelong learners. In all things, I am a learner first. I am a reflective practitioner of all aspects of lifelong learning. My experiences in this role have created remarkable avenues, thoughts, and opportunities. Because of this, I am driven to support those around me in their personal and professional journeys. You can never predict where the learning will take you and listening to the stories and experiences of others only helps to feed the need of knowing. While I know I can never "know" it all, I know that the journey, the process, the people, and the experience are truly the best part of learning.
Educational Journey
I have been incredibly fortunate in my learning experiences. Admittedly, there have been relatively few significant challenges to my experiences as a learner. I am a Learner though and the process and experiences of learning are one of my favorite parts of being a teacher. I am also a bit of a degree collector, even today, when practically everything can be learned on the internet (ha), I still love and crave the camaraderie of formal education.
Degrees in chronological order:
H.S. Diploma: Greenwood Lab School
B.A. in History and Political Science: Drury University
Master of Arts in Teaching for Middle School Science and Social Studies: Washington University in St. Louis
Doctorate of Education in Academic Leadership: University of Missouri- Columbia
Master of Science in Educational Leadership: Missouri State University
Non-degree learning experiences:
Eckerd College: Marine Biology
New York University: Creative Literacy Methods taught in York and Oxford England
Rutgers University: Tropical Marine Conservation in the Cayman Islands
Other Top Strengths!
Futurist
Imagine walking into an office and sharing your hopes and dreams about what could be. There is this fantastic vision and you are on the mission of realization. I am the person who will dream with you! I love imagining the future.
Strategic
Not only can I dream and visualize the future but I am deeply interested in developing a plan for achieving it. If there is something I don't know, I will figure it out. If that helps strategize and plan then count me in!
Responsibility
I listen, I work to understand, I plan, and now I am responsible for supporting. Mission, vision, and goals are my responsibility. I feel tremendous responsibility for supporting all learners.
Command
I listen, establish relationships, and build trust to support empowering those around me to achieve at the highest level possible. Integrity is crucial to building relationships and trust that supports moving forward in learning.