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I am excited to be teaching Yearbook, Journalism and Study Skills at Mendenhall for the second year. My goal is to create an inspiring, inviting, safe place to learn where students are challenged and are model community citizens. Like American novelist Joan Didion I believe that writing is the key to understanding and expressing the self. She explains: “I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.” 

I’ve been a proud part of the Livermore community for nine years where I’ve made a commitment to bring enrichment opportunities to students. I have served as a GATE representative bringing writing and theater workshops to students, organizing STEAM workshops and the student faire, and starting a multicultural festival. I have also been the FAME (fine arts) co-chair at Smith for six years where I continue to volunteer to write lesson scripts and bring art lessons in the classroom.  

Before teaching at Mendenhall I ran writing workshops for teens, launched an independent book press, worked as an academic editor and organized publicity for emerging fiction authors. I taught freshman English at UC Riverside for seven years including personal essay, critical writing, and the art of the argumentative essay. I enjoy learning and while junior high was my least favorite time in my educational career I thoroughly enjoy teaching it!

I live with my two boys Owen and Nils who both thrive within the Livermore school district, my husband Michael who works as an IT manager and volunteers as a Math counts coach, and my two black cats Soft and Cinderheart who are the resident queens of our home. I enjoy succulent gardening, reading mystery novels, and taking day trips with my family to the city and the beach.