I grew up in Southern California and then spent my high school years in Northern Nevada. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and in 2000 I moved to Phoenix to attend Grand Canyon University, where I majored in Elementary Education. In 2010, I earned my Masters in Early Childhood Education from Northern Arizona University. I am certified to teach K-8, hold a K-12 Reading Endorsement, and am certified in the Barton Reading and Spelling System.
I have 10 years of teaching experience in the Arizona public school system, first as a 3rd grade ELL classroom teacher and then as a reading intervention specialist. For many years, I worked in the after-school tutoring program at my school, planning and implementing interventions for at-risk students. In addition to my classroom experience, I have three years of private one-on-one reading tutoring experience using the Barton Reading and Spelling System.
I love teaching children, especially in the area of reading. Most of the children I work with struggle in that area, so I have learned the importance of earning the student’s trust and building a rapport with them. This comes from making students feel safe and known. When I can build on students’ strengths, they gain the confidence they need to grow in the areas they are weak. I believe it is important to know how students learn best and to tailor instruction to fit their needs.
I have two small children, and they keep me very busy! We love to go swimming, take our dog for walks, and ride our bikes to the park. I enjoy long distance running and have completed 10 half marathons and 2 full marathons.
I offer tutoring services in elementary reading intervention, specifically utilizing the Barton Reading and Spelling System.