I am a 40-year-old secondary English Language Arts teacher and writer who has been living in the San Francisco Bay Area since August of 2014. Before moving to California, I lived in Osaka, Japan for eight years. I made the exciting move to Japan shortly after graduating with my Master of Arts degree in English. My travels have helped feed my love for literature, the arts, and learning about the cultures around me.

     My teaching philosophy has grown from my desire to help each of my students discover their own unique voice while feeling powerful as communicators. I enjoy helping my students become active readers who are confident in their ability to write. I want to help spark new interests in each of my students to help them on their individual paths as life-long learners.

    I enjoy being active through hiking and yoga. However, I also enjoy the serenity that comes from pottery, cooking, and enjoying a hot cup of tea as I read or write. I sometimes dabble in photography and have a strong affinity for the arts. With any of my hobbies, I love meeting new people are sharing my ideas.