As an educator I believe that students always come first. The focus of a teacher’s lessons, professional learning, and discussions about education, should always be on student learning. Our students should be our number one priority and their best interests should guide us (teachers, administrators, district staff, etc.) in everything that we do.

As an Instructional Technology Specialist, I am privileged to work with educators in my district to provide them support, guidance, and training to integrate educational technology into their classrooms to enhance student learning. When working with teachers, I guide them to focus on the learning outcomes and goals of the lessons, not the technology. Student learning is our ultimate goal. Our students should be creative, think critically, be strong communicators, and able to collaborate and work with diverse groups. Our students should also be able to navigate through the digital world, as their futures will be immersed in technology that does not yet even exist. Technology is the tool that can help our students reach their learning goals. They need to be proficient in using these tools to help them make meaning of the world, but the focus should always be on their learning and growth.

Outside of teaching, I love to quilt and am a bird nerd. I teach beginning quilting at a local quilt shop. I am also on the board of directors for Sequoia Audubon Society and volunteer as a Hawk Watcher for the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. I also take a weekly advanced birding class at a local adult school.

I have presented at multiple conferences, for both education and for birding, including ISTE 2010, Monterey Bay Bird Festival 2011, Point Reyes Bird Festival 2012, SMCOE Math and Science Conference 2013 and 2015, Fall CUE 2013 and 2014, and Annual CUE 2014 and 2015, CA GAFE Summit 2014, CUE Rockstar 2014 and 2015.

I am a Google for Education Certified Innovator (Sweden 2013), Google for Education Certified Trainer, SMART Exemplary Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator, CUE Lead Learner, CUE Rockstar Faculty (Monterey and Tahoe 2014, Chico 2015), and Leading Edge Certified (Digital Educator, Online and Blended Teacher, and Professional Learning Leader).