What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of this job is getting to know my students, both seniors and preschoolers.

What’s your least favorite part of your job?

I dislike that all of my students leave me and NASH. My seniors go off to college and my preschoolers go to kindergarten at another school. I would like to see my students in the following years. A kindergarten teacher can see her ex-students for the next few years and say hello to them.

Do you have any crazy stories of kids in the past or present?

I had one student who bit me and who cut my hair with scissors.

How did you choose this job?

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. Growing up I was a dance and ice skating teacher, so I had experience and knew that I enjoyed it. My plan was to be an Elementary Education teacher, but I always thought it would be cool to be an FCS teacher – so I got certified in both. I was lucky enough to land this job that combines both Elementary Ed and FCS!

Where did you go to college?

I went to California University of PA for my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. I then went to Pitt for my Master’s in Education Administration and certification to be a Principal (K-12).

If you could teach any other class what would it be?

I enjoy all strands of our Family and Consumer Sciences department. If I didn’t teach Preschool Practicum I wouldn’t mind teaching Fashion or Foods.

What is your favorite activity to do with preschoolers?

My favorite day with the kids is actually coming up. I love trick or treating with the kids throughout the school and having our Halloween party. Clearly, I enjoy this holiday!

What’s the craziest thing to happen to you at NASH?

My preschoolers bring me “gifts.” These are things they pick up on the way in, like dandelions, acorns, pretty leaves, rocks, etc. One day a preschooler said, “hold out your hand,” and I did, only to be given a live frog. It jumped around the room with kids squealing until we caught it and placed it outside. His mom had no idea he had it in his pocket the entire ride to school. 

Do you believe in any conspiracy theories?

Yes I believe in some conspiracy theories and I will leave it at that.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I used to be a very good ice skater and sometimes still like to do that.

What is something on your bucket list?

I want to go see the Northern Lights and stay in one of those huts.

What’s your favorite book? Movie?

Having two young kids, my favorite movies right now are all Disney. We like to watch Frozen, and are looking forward to Frozen 2 soon.