No words can describe the infinite blessings that teaching has brought to my life. The rich feelings of community, the creative energy, the beautiful relationships, and the many chances it affords for sharing joy, love, laughter, and healing. My passion is surfing and from a very young age it has taken me to distant shores all over the world. It eventually led me to an elementary school in Spain on a lush mountain overlooking a turquoise sea. It was there that I stumbled upon the magic of learning with children, getting lost in imagination, wonder, and enthusiasm, and the powerful cultural experience of deep connection to a community through education. I stayed in Europe teaching for two years. My time immersed in foreign cultures has given me unique perspectives of the world of which I hope to transmit to my class. Most of all, the gift of being away has given me the space to become more and more authentically myself while cultivating deeper curiosity, understanding, empathy and resilience- which is the same gift I intend to present to each one of my students.
I was born and raised in Laguna Beach, received my BS from Cal Poly Pomona in Horticulture and later my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Fullerton. I then went on to teach 4th grade at Anneleise in Laguna Canyon. In this alternative setting I was able to further develop my creative use of mindfulness, gardening, art, project based learning, and thematic instruction. I just returned from my third summer teaching children in the far reaches of Indonesia. Going to teach in the remote island jungle inspires me to think beyond traditional methods and see the classroom without walls. I have also volunteered on organic farms in Australia, New Zealand, and France as well as worked with the children’s programs at The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano for over 5 years. I strive to instill a deep sense of environmental consciousness in my students through hands-on experiences. Additionally, I enjoy yoga, meditation, hiking, creative writing, painting, gardening and cooking – all which pour out of me in my approach to the curriculum. I could not be more excited for this adventure in learning as much as I can from everyone at Journey- especially my students! I feel like I have ‘come home’ in many ways and am very grateful and honored to join this community of professional educators.
