About My Classroom
I strive to make my classroom a place that is safe for exploration, creativity, individuality, and risk-taking. We learn early on that mistakes are okay and are an essential part of the learning process. We focus on progress and excellence, not just in the content we are studying, but also in the ways we grow as individuals, as teammates, and as well-rounded citizens of a larger community.
Education Background and Experience
I received my BME in Music Education in 2009 at the University of Colorado Boulder with an emphasis in string pedagogy, and completed my Master's of Music Education at the same institution in June of 2017. I began teaching middle school and high school orchestra in St. Vrain Valley in 2009 at Altona Middle School, Heritage Middle School, and Skyline High School. After that, I was at Webber Middle School for ten years where I taught Orchestra, Band, Digital Photography, History of Rock and Roll, and Intro to Drama. In 2020 I taught high school students in PSD Virtual in the subjects of Music Appreciation, Digital Photography, and Culinary Nutrition. In 2021 I joined the PGA team to teach K-8 Music, as well as high school classes in Culinary Nutrition and Yoga/Mindfulness. Health and Wellness are a passion of mine. Currently I serve on the PSD Mindful Council and recently completed my Mindful Teacher Certification with Mindful Schools. Being healthy is all about taking care of the WHOLE person, and I intend to model this as best I'm able. I am especially passionate about holistic health, and believe that incorporating daily mindfulness is an impactful element of overall mental and physical wellbeing.
What I Love Most About Teaching
I love facilitating student growth. It's such a joy to watch students work through the learning process and grow into accomplished young humans who are independent thinkers. Students daily inspire me with their fresh outlook on life and their energy, creativity, and honesty. They remind me what it means to be a lifelong learner and to have a little fun in the process! I am honored to have the privilege of working with them.
Activities & Interests
Activities: Baking, cycling, archery, playing violin, kayaking, collecting gems and minerals, and playing video games.
Interests: Football and hockey (Broncos, CU Buffs, Avalanche), travel, holistic health, mindfulness, and anything related to cute animals.
Favorite Quote
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."
-From The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost