My educational background:

BA in Elementary Education from UNC Charlotte with a minor in reading. I am starting my tenth year of teaching this year!

My certifications:

AIG Certification from Queens University

My social/emotional trainings:

I worked in a Paideia accredited school where we were trained in mindfulness and SEL skills that were implemented in our classroom. My own personal experience through therapy has taught me many coping mechanisms as well as how to manage emotions in any situation.

My favorite teacher from my past:

Mrs. Conroy was my 3rd grade teacher and she truly changed my life. She recognized that I needed more, outside of the classroom, before I even knew I needed help myself. She is the reason I became a teacher. I was lucky enough to go back to that same school as a first year teacher in 2017 and work with Mrs. Conroy for a few years before she retired.

What do I love about Epiphany?

Epiphany immediately felt familiar to me. Any nerves I had were quickly replaced with a comfortable and welcoming feeling. I love the genuine excitement and passion everyone has for the children and each other. I feel like I belong and am supported to be myself for the first time in a long time.

How does teaching and working with children inspire me?

Growing up I hated school. I was often in trouble and did not get good grades. I never imagined myself being a teacher. That has turned into why I love being a teacher. I want to be the teacher that I needed growing up. I hope that every child I come across leaves my class knowing they are valued, loved, and can do anything they set out to do. Children inspire me to keep being ‘weird’ and when they leave my classroom I hope they will be confident knowing being ‘weird’ is a good thing!

My spirit animal?

Hummingbird. I am always moving around from one thing to another, and often find myself on a side quest that I did not set out to do.

My favorite movie:

Hitch! I got a TV with an attached DVD player for my 11th birthday and that was the only DVD I had so I watched it over and over and over again.

My favorite board game:

Parcheesi – My grandma and I play it together!

My favorite book:

Matilda and The Nightingale

My favorite character, cartoon, or superhero:

SpongeBob SquarePants

My Interests and hobbies:

Video games, drawing, playing with my dog Sofia

My origins, travels and/or adventures:

I was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I don’t like to travel to be honest, though I love going to the mountains!

My favorite thing to do, place to go, or eatery in Charlotte:

Little Mama’s or a fun hibachi place!