I currently teach 7th Grade Science at Kennedy Middle School in Cupertino, CA. Prior to teaching at Kennedy, I taught at Cupertino Middle School and Alta Loma Middle School in South San Francisco. I have taught 7th Grade Science most of my career. However, I have also taught 8th Grade Science, PE, Math, and Opportunity/In School Suspension during my career.

I was born in the state of Washington and lived my early childhood in Spokane, WA. My family moved from Spokane, WA to Stockton, CA where I graduated from high school. I completed my undergraduate degree at UC Davis and received my teaching credential from the middle school program at SFSU.

I enjoy being outside hiking, backpacking, gardening, watching nature, and such. I also enjoy baking, theater, poetry, sports and the History Channel.

Importance of a digital presence for educators and students:

We are currently living in a digital world. The younger generations are digital natives, the older generations are indoctrined into this new landscape at varing paces. The digital world is not going to solve all humanity's problems nor is it the scourge of society. The digital world is the world we live in. It is not only how we shop, keep our calenders, plan travel, store our picture, and learn about the world around us. It is most importantly how we communicate with each other at an increasing rate. Communication with our families, collegues, teachers, doctors, employers, policy makers are increasingly digital.

Educators need to be able to communicate via the digital world or they will not be heard. Students already communicate via the digital world, however they need to learn how to recognize the dangers, the untruths, the isolation that the digital world holds so they can use the digital world wisely. The students who are able to safely and efficently navigate the digital world, will become productive citizens who add value to society. The students who are less efficient or unable to navigate the digital world (for various reasons), will have a more challenging life ahead of them. Which will have negative affects on society as a whole.