What made you decide to join the Crew at Alma?
I am very excited to be a part of a school that seeks to provide the support, encouragement and inspiration that all students need in order to be successful and engaged learners. I know that Alma del Mar is committed to putting the needs of students first, and I can’t wait to be a part of an educational team that works together to help all students achieve!
What do you hope to contribute to Alma?
I hope to bring my years of experience as a school-based speech-language pathologist to help the students on my caseload to achieve their communication goals so that they can be engaged, active and valued members of their classroom and school community. I also hope to be a supportive and collaborative team member who works directly and positively with other educators to better support our students.
What teacher made a difference in your life, and how?
I will always remember my third grade teacher, Miss Hazelhurst. I was a painfully shy 8 year-old girl with bucked teeth and glasses, but she went out of her way to make me special. She wrote me little notes of encouragement and picked out special books for me to read that she knew I would enjoy. She even attended my dance recital and presented me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. She helped to boost my self-esteem and self-confidence.
Why did you become involved in education?
As a teenager, my very first job was a sailing instructor at my local YMCA. With that experience, I learned that I loved working with children. It brings me much joy when I am able to help a child learn a new skill that boosts their confidence and develops their curiousity and enthusiasm to learn more.
Where did you go to college or post-secondary school?
I attended Boston College as an undergraduate and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I attended the University of Rhode Island as a graduate student and earned my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
What did you like about your college?
I loved meeting and befriending fellow students from all over the country, all over the world, and from all walks of life. My most memorable experience as a college student was working as volunteer who assisted International Students as they transitioned to life as a college student in the U.S. I had the opportunity to meet students who traveled to Boston from countries like Pakistan, Honk Kong, Korea and Zimbabwe.
What is your favorite food?
Japanese Hot Pot
What is your favorite book?
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang