From an early age, it was clear that education would be her lifelong calling. As a proud product of Polk County Public Schools where she would later serve, the daughter of dedicated educators and administrators, she grew up immersed in the values of learning, leadership, and service. Her passion for teaching led her to spend five impactful years as an elementary school teacher, where she fostered a love of learning in her students through project-based learning and inquiry driven instruction. During this time, she also served as a cooperating teacher for interns and field study students. In this role, she guided aspiring educators through the realities of the classroom, modeling effective teaching practices and sharing the reasoning behind instructional decisions. She was passionate about preparing future teachers, helping them build confidence, develop their own teaching styles, and understand the "why" behind what great teachers do each day.
Her dedication to meaningful, student-centered learning extended beyond her own classroom. She worked with a team to guide fellow educators to integrate purposeful technology into their instruction, aiming to enrich both teaching practices and student engagement. This role deepened her commitment to using educational technology not as a novelty, but as a transformative tool that supports deeper understanding and authentic learning experiences.
Her career took an inspiring turn when she served as the Education Director for a nonprofit organization, a position she held for six years. In this role, she led the development of dynamic STEM programs for learners of all ages. She worked with a team to design comprehensive, hands-on curricula and built collaborative partnerships with nationally recognized STEM organizations to bring high-impact, real-world experiences to children.
A lifelong learner herself, she earned all her degrees from Florida Southern College, an institution she chose intentionally. She was drawn to its professors' sincere commitment to student success and the college's strong academic foundations that equip future educators with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive. Her connection to the college grew even deeper when she returned as an adjunct instructor, working with aspiring teachers for several years at every level - from first-year students to interns - in subject areas ranging from English Language Arts to science.
Her professional and academic interests focus on STEM education, preservice teacher training, and the thoughtful integration of educational technology. Across all her work, she remains deeply committed to empowering teachers and students through research-based practices, collaborative learning, and innovative approaches to instruction.
