Please feel free to contact me at:
 
About me as an educator:
I intend to be my students’ guide on their educational journey. I empower my students by encouraging responsible choices in both their education and their lives. I expect students to take ownership of their role in their learning. I believe students achieve their greatest potential when actively engaged in the process of learning.  My classroom is a manifestation of my philosophy and vision. I lead by example promoting a strong work ethic and system of accountability. I am an innovative thinker driven to inspire my students beyond apathy toward a bright future. I love science and making it accessible and engaging for my students.  My style of teaching brings science out of the textbook and makes it so much more than a set of bold words or formulas. I want students thinking and curious.  I push my students to connect cognitively, physically and emotionally to the process of learning and discovery. I love to see their eyes light up when the pieces start to fall into place and they start asking: “Hmmm... I wonder if…”! I know with all of my heart that each and every one of my students is worth every effort to provide a meaningful and exceptional educational experience.
 
About my life outside of school: 
I've lived in Placer Co. most of my life; growing up in Foresthill and graduating from Placer High. My husband and I returned to Auburn to have our family after brief stints in So. California and Eastern Washington.  We have two boys who graduated from Placer High. Max, graduated from UC Davis ('20)   Textiles and Manufacturing BS and Porter, attending Sierra College working towards a Managerial Accounting AA before transferring to complete his Bachelor's.  We added a puppy to our lives during COVID, Brenner is our happy Bernese Mountain Dog, soon to be another giant in our family.
 
We love to travel as a family, frequently road tripping during our summer breaks. We have gone to many of the western National Parks; house boating on Lake Powell and spent time in the San Juan Islands and Bend, Oregon in the last few summers.  We're avid mountain bikers; riding and racing as a family as well as coaching the Granite Bay Jr. High MTB team afterschool from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31st with the Hyatt's who coach the High School Team.  I'm also a coaching mentor for the National Interscholastic Cycling Association and NorCal High School Cycling League. coaching a family riding/racing club and high school race team.  We love spending time together exploring and riding.  
Education

Education

BS Human Development; University of California, Davis
M.Ed Secondary Sciences (Biology, Earth and Space Sciences, Chemistry);
University of Phoenix, Sacramento
Teaching Experience

Teaching Experience

Cavitt Jr. High 2016-Present 
UAIC Tribal School 2007-2016     (K-12 Science)
Rio Linda Jr. High 2006-2007       (7th Grade Science/Honors)
Placer High School 2005-2006     (HS Biology, Earth Science, Summer Bridge Program)
Auburn, Alta Vista and Bowman Elementary Schools 2002-2006 (Art and Science Docent) 
Athletics

Athletics

Licensed Head Coach; NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling League) 
Head Coach: NorCal High School Cycling League- Placer Foothills Composite High School Race Team
Coach: Granite Bay Jr. High MTB Team
Wilderness First Aid Certified (16-hour)
First-Aid and CPR Certified
 
Professional Associations

Professional Associations

NSTA: National Science Teachers Association
CSTA: California Science Teachers Association