I always knew that I would be in the educational field, even as a small child.  My family nurtured that interest with continuous support and encouragement.  I studied hard in high school and graduated in the top 10% from Belleville Township High School West in 1996. Throughout my high school and college career, I worked in my family's business, where my parents taught me the value of hard work and how to balance a schedule.  I graduated from SIUE with a Bachelor's Degree in English and a Teaching Certification in both Illinois and Missouri.  From there, I went on to earn my Master's Degree in British and American Literature from SIUE.  I got married shortly after, had my son, Liam, and went to UMSL to earn my Reading Specialist Certification in K-12 at the University of Missouri, St. Louis.  Currently, I am a Doctoral Candidate at Maryville University in the Teacher Leadership Program.  I look forward to where this will take me, as life is always a continuous journey of learning.

I began my teaching career in 2003 in St. Louis Public Schools as an English Language Arts teacher.  I taught most classes the district ELA curriculum has to offer, including English 1, English 1 Double Dose, English 2, English 4, AP English Literature, Creative Writing, and ACT Preparation over my career.  I also sponsored Student Council, the Phoenix Philm Club, and the Senior class.  During my time in the classroom, I became a consultant and mentor for the National Math and Science Initiative, where I mentor teachers and host student study sessions for both the AP English Literature and the AP English Language classes all over the country.  I am now an Academic Instructional Coach for NMSI, and look forward to helping teachers across the country perfect their teaching craft.  I have also served as an adjunct professor for the University of Missouri, St. Louis through the Dual Credit Program. 

In 2017, I became the Academic Instructional Coach for Northwest Academy of Law.  As the Academic Instructional Coach, I observe teachers nonevaluatively and give feedback and ideas for data-based instructional strategies.  I also review lesson plans, give feedback, and help teachers plan or secure resources for their classes.  I brainstorm with teachers to help them plan effective lessons, model lessons and strategies, give professional development, and serve as a mentor both for emotional and academic support.  I also analyze testing data, conduct coaching cycles, serve on the school Leadership Team, amongst many other roles administrators or teachers may need me for.  

My moral purpose for being an educator is to help all students and colleagues achieve their greatest potential, both inside and outside of the classroom.  I strive for collaborative and individual growth in a positive, compassionate way while being a grounding presence for those who need it.