Ms. Riggie is the K-2 Academic Dean at Alma’s Frederick Douglass Campus.
What made you decide to join the Crew at Alma?
I joined the Crew at Alma because of their relentless commitment to dismantling and resisting all racist and white supremacist structures. It is very important for me to be part of a community that continually puts in the time and energy to support, celebrate, and empower all staff, scholars, and Alma families.
What do you hope to contribute to Alma?
I hope to use my experience and skills to help build a joyful, rigorous, and equitable community at Alma that celebrates and empowers everyone.
What teacher made a difference in your life, and how?
There are three teachers that come to mind when I think about who made a difference in my life as a student. Ms. Heiser (kindergarten), Mrs. Pannozzo (2nd grade), and Ms. Puerner (3rd grade). They all ensured that I felt safe and seen in their classrooms. It was because of my positive experiences with those teahers, from an early age, that I was able to develop a lifelong love of learning.
Why did you become involved in education?
I became involved in education because I believe that every child has a right to a quality education that will provide them with the tools and supports they need to be successful students and human beings to and through college.
Where did you go to college or post-secondary school?
I received my BA in integrated marketing communications from Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA) in 2011 and my MS in early childhood and childhood education from the State University of New York College at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY) in 2016.
What did you like about your college?
I enjoyed the responsibility of learning to be more independent while away at school and I also really appreciated the opportunity to meet and learn about new people and places.
What is your favorite food?
Chicken wings
What is your favorite book?
Le Petit Prince / The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry