Biography
I started my career in education while in high school as a camp counselor and babysitter. I’ve always been fascinated with how children learn. Whether my educational endeavors included pursuits in pedagogy or administration or volunteer work, with young children, teens or graduate students, my focus has always revolved around building relationships as paramount in creating an environment conducive to learning and growing. I am very interested in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and how teachers can be most impactful when they can understand where their students are coming from. I believe that when teachers create a peaceful, trusting environment students can be excited to learn.
In my current position as Assistant Director of the Department of Education, one of my main responsibilities is to work with candidates, faculty and our local school partners to facilitate the placements of our teacher candidates in clinical field work that includes practicum and residency experiences. I meet students when they are applying to the MAT program and then advise students along the way through their process to gain their NYS Teaching Certification. My favorite moments are when I have an advising appointment with one of our teacher candidates and that sparks a conversation that ignites a connection which builds a deeper bond between them and their students.
Education Background
Certificate Elementary Education PA BA - Villanova University
MSEd Literacy B-6 - College of St. Rose
Experience
Assistant Director Department of Education, Clarkson University,
Board of Education Member Niskayuna Central Schools, 2016-2019
Project Manager, NSF Grant UAlbany's Research Foundation,
Niskayuna Town Pool Manager 2009-2013
Virginia and New York P-5 Teacher 10+ years