After an unconventional childhood growing up in Africa, the Caribbean and South America, I returned to the US in my teens with a commitment to making a difference and a passion for working with kids. Upon graduating from the University of Georgia in 1998, I began my career as a counselor for children and families in the foster care and juvenile justice systems in California. Realizing my true passion for teaching, I returned to school and earned my teaching credential from San Jose State University in 2007. I was very fortunate to be welcomed into the Oak School community as a fourth grade teacher that same year. In 2018, I made the move to sixth grade. The best parts of teaching, for me, are making connections with my students, inspiring them to become thoughtful learners, and challenging them to achieve their fullest potential. In my free time, I can usually be found cheering on the sidelines at my kids’ soccer games or curled up somewhere reading a good book. I also love traveling to new places with my family. I am always up for a challenge, may it be experimenting with new recipes, backpacking with my family, or pushing myself on the last mile of a race.