Intro
I am grateful that I left my first job as a research editor at the Encyclopaedia Britannica to become a teacher! I began my career in independent schools in Chicago: The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, the Francis Parker School, and the Latin School of Chicago. After completing training as an Orff-Schulwerk music and movement specialist, I taught at the Cobb Montessori School in Simsbury before coming to Wolcott School kindergarten in 1994.
Educational Background:
- University of Chicago, B.A., Romance Languages and Literatures
- University of Pennsylvania, Graduate studies in Folklore and Folklife
- DePaul University, Orff-Schulwerk Music and Movement Education
- University of Hartford, M. Ed., Elementary Education
Hobbies & Interests:
- Drumming, singing and fiddling in Hijaz international folk dance band
- International folk dance
- Creative dance
- Pilates
- Well, music and dance of all kinds!
Awards & Distinctions:
- 1999 Celebration of Excellence Award from State of CT with Ms. Jo McGinnis for "Works of the Great Masters: Interpreting Visual Art Through Movement"
- Finalist: West Hartford Public Schools Teacher of the Year 2005
- Recipient of 4 mini-grants from Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools: Chair pockets, Children's Forest,
- Digital photography, Lab A Dab A Do
Family:
I have 2 grown daughters who are products of the West Hartford Public Schools.
Travel:
I enjoy many cultures each year as I learn about the children and families in my
classroom. I also spend family summer vacations on Mt. Desert Island, Maine.
I have also enjoyed trips to Paris, Macedonia, Israel, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
My Heroes
My niece, Samantha, and her parents, for their courage, strength, and good humor in the face of constant challenge.