Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

They were many factors that influenced me to become a teacher! Teaching allows for creativity in planning, problem-solving, and student engagement. A love for sharing knowledge and inspiring others was a key influence in my choice to become a teacher. Additionally, I have a strong desire to make a difference in students' lives, not just academically, but also by fostering their character and growth. Teaching allows me to become a mentor, a guide, and a source of encouragement, which brings me joy and a purpose for our future.

As a teacher, my ability to communicate effectively is a major strength to my success. I strive to create a classroom environment where my students feel heard and valued. My communication extends beyond the classroom and building strong relationships with team members, parents, and the community to support student success. My passion for teaching drives me to continuously learn, adapt, and innovate in my approach, making lessons dynamic and impactful. I am patient, empathetic, and committed to meeting each student's unique needs. Ultimately, what makes me an outstanding teacher is my unwavering commitment to instill the love for learning, character, communication, and personal growth.

Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant  – Early Childhood

My passion for working with young children with disabilities stems from a deep belief in the power of early intervention. Witnessing firsthand the incredible progress children make when provided with appropriate support during their formative years ignited my desire to become a preschool disabilities teacher. For ten years, I thrived in this role, creating individualized learning experiences that celebrated each child's unique strengths and needs. I was inspired by their resilience, their innate curiosity, and the unwavering dedication of their families.

Transitioning to the LDT-C role felt like a natural progression. I wanted to expand my impact by collaborating with educators, families, and related service providers to develop comprehensive, data-driven plans. I am driven by the opportunity to empower teams with the knowledge and strategies necessary to unlock each child’s full potential. The collaborative nature of the LDT-C role, coupled with the focus on assessment and program development, allows me to continue advocating for young children with disabilities and ensuring they receive the necessary supports to succeed. Seeing a child achieve a seemingly small milestone, knowing the effort and collaboration it took to get there, is what fuels my passion and reaffirms my choice of profession.

As a member of the PIRT team at School 51, I conduct screenings and classroom observations to identify students who may benefit from intervention, collaborate with teachers and parents to develop individualized plans and classroom-based interventions, provide ongoing consultation to teachers regarding students with IEPs in inclusion settings, contribute valuable insights and recommendations in CST meetings based on my observations and assessments, maintain meticulous records of student progress and interventions is essential to my role, and work closely with the school social worker to provide comprehensive support for students and their families. 

What makes me exceptional in this role is my ability to build strong relationships with teachers, students, and families. I prioritize open communication and collaboration, fostering a team approach to problem-solving. My deep understanding of child development and special education, coupled with my experience in developing and implementing effective interventions, allows me to provide targeted support that directly impacts student success. By empowering teachers with practical strategies and resources, I help create inclusive classrooms where all students can thrive. Ultimately, my focus is on maximizing each child's potential, fostering their growth academically, socially, and emotionally.