I develop student-centered, skills-based curricula which empower young people with the mindsets to learn throughout life and tackle any challenge they face. I maximize teacher autonomy and student agency in the learning process, with healthy doses of play and project-based experiential learning.
Why do I do what I do?
I teach because our world teems with problems craving solutions. Young minds, armed with a deep understanding of our interconnected world, possess the power to tackle humanity’s most pressing issues. From curing diseases to addressing climate change, from alleviating poverty to creating sustainable communities – these challenges await the touch of inspired youth.
My journey as an educator was sparked by mentors who showed me that knowledge isn’t just for its own sake, but a tool to make a difference. As a teacher, I guide and inspire young people to become creators and problem-solvers, directing their talents towards the world’s challenges.
School leadership allows me to cultivate a future-facing culture where students, teachers, and families harness their talents and passions. I craft innovative, interdisciplinary curricula because I believe engaged learners develop habits of lifelong curiosity. These inspired students grow into adults driven to combat global issues like poverty, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
Science captivates me because it’s a wellspring of tomorrow’s dreams and a catalyst for positive change. It’s a methodical approach to observing our world and improving it. I yearn to share the wonders of our intricate, interdependent universe with students. From chemical reactions to ecosystem dynamics, I want them to experience firsthand the beauty of how our world works.
My fascination with science echoes Neil deGrasse Tyson’s eloquence: studying the universe is examining something we’re part of – an extraordinary, timeless tapestry. The rich chemistry of common elements suggests that life might be an inevitable cosmic emergence, hinting that we’re not alone in this vast universe.
Growing up in Kentucky, where worldly exploration was rare, I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged me to pursue my passions confidently. An exchange program in Finland expanded my horizons, while volunteering in Senegal challenged my perspectives and values. These experiences ignited my passion for international education, allowing me to share the transformative power of cultural immersion with students worldwide.