What is your favorite quote and why?

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” - The one and only Michael Jordan. I love this quote because it’s a daily reminder that we have to work and grind for the dreams we have in life. It keeps me from being content and settling.

What is your favorite book? (children's or adult book)

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

Who inspires you? Why?

My mother. She’s gone to rock bottom and back in life and has always said Rock bottom gets an unfair label. Rock bottom is also the point we learn to take control of something we struggle with. I’ve watched someone very close to me prove that anything is possible with drive and dedication. She continues to inspire me with her amazing attitude day after day.

What made you decide to work in education?

I love helping people. I love making people laugh, and I wanted to put my fingerprint on the world. I wanted to change the way children feel about school and teach them the lessons I learned throughout life.

What was your favorite subject when you were in elementary school and why?

History because I love American history to an obsessive point. I loved learning about our past as a country and how we made it to where we are today. I also love World history, but US history was always my favorite.

What is your favorite part of the school day?

Lunch! I actually meditate every lunch and reflect on my choices and decisions that day and look for improvement. I also find that this part of the day rebalances me for the remainder of the day.

What is the best thing about the PS65 community?

The staff will go to the ends of the earth just to build up each other. There are some members of our community that have been there for me not only through struggles in the building but struggles in my personal life. And they were actually more supportive and helpful than some people I’ve known for 30+ years. I love that we have a family vibe in the school.

Do you have a pet? If so, tell us about it.

My Penny girl. I love my Australian Shepherd more than anything in this world. She is my best friend and has shown me the light in the darkest of times. She is loving, kind, protective, and extremely hyper and playful. She's work, but it’s very rewarding.

Do you have kids? If so, tell us about them!

Nope, but one on the way.

When was a time you failed and what did you learn from it?

I was not able to finish a very strict deadline in my old profession. It was an unfair deadline that was placed on me, and instead of just putting my head down to work, I complained and played the victim instead. After the fact, I realized that if I just sat down and applied myself I could have probably finished a day early, but my anger and frustration took over me. I learned that anger and frustration do not have to be a part of me. I should have acknowledged the fact that I was frustrated, had a 20-minute time frame to blow off steam and I should have returned to work. It taught me that emotions don’t have to be personality traits but just temporary states of mind that we can acknowledge and move past.

Do you have any hidden talents? Tell us about them!

I can juggle, I can do impersonations of 50 percent of the staff, and I can play golf at a very competitive level.

If you could spend a week, anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Hawaii because it’s the most beautiful place on earth in my opinion.

What do you remember most fondly about elementary school?

The strict structure of it all. I went to catholic school, and for some reason, I don’t really have “fun” memories. I remember my friends, but I feel we were always so busy working that we never had a lot of time to really bond in a less stressful environment.

What is your favorite season and why?

Fall. love the holidays, the weather, the colors, and the anticipation towards the holidays.

If you could grow up in any decade, which would you choose?

Probably the 90s again…

Nintendo 64 was invented, but candy still had obscene amounts of sugar in it. Technology was a luxury and not a necessity. Movies and music were better, and people were happier. I’m hopeful we will get back to this one day.

What do you want our students to remember most about school?

That the staff wanted the best for them and was there as role models and examples that prepared them for life.

Who is your favorite author? Why?

Dr Seuss. He always found a way to talk about mature issues through children’s books. All his work has deeper meanings where he used an extremely creative poetic style to convey these messages that made it relatable to all ages.

How many languages do you speak? Does anyone in your family speak a different language?

One and we all speak English. I am currently working on learning Spanish through a program.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

My CPA license and Summa Cum Laude in College

What do you do to remain calm when you are feeling frustrated?

Breathe deep and become aware that I am frustrated. We are not our emotions.

What would students be surprised to find out about you?

That I love playing video games to an extreme extent. But I never let them know this.

What is it like having you as a teacher? Or, what is it like being in your class?

Fun, enjoyable, and full of laughter but in a structured way. I try to make exercise and movement fun, so they enjoy learning. I also feel I am somewhat of a life coach explaining situations that are complex that everyone comes across in life, and I try to give them the tools to succeed and thrive in these situations.

If you could pass on any wisdom to our students, what would you share?

Life is what you make of it. The life you recieve is based on how much you put into it. We all have good luck, bad luck, some ups, some downs (some more than others). But with consistent hard work there is a 100% chance you will be successful at something. Also, I tell them every year to always keep a student mindset and never stop learning.

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