What is your favorite topic in the Environmental Science course?

My favorite topic in Environmental Science is biodiversity.  I like biodiversity for the environmental fact that it helps maintain the natural balance and the ecosystem.  For teaching purposes, it is super exciting.  There are so many different domains from protecting biodiversity (endangered species) to the benefits of life with having a flourishing, biodiverse ecosystem (which can increase our stability on Earth).

What is your favorite animal?

My favorite animal is a dog, but I really like kangaroos and tigers, too.

How many pets do you have? And, what are they?

I have two dogs (Rudy and Molly), one cat (Ralph), eight chickens (Boss Hog, Tara, Chic Chic, Bowie, Goldie, Speck, Raven, Darwin), one turkey (Brick Devon Derk the Turke), one horse, two lizards (Leo and Liz), one frog (Hopper), two parakeets (Ferrari and Starburst), one rat (Cujo), and one fish (George).  Also, our new classroom sunkissed albino corn snake.

How do you get a pet turkey?

I sent my kids to get a couple more chickens to add to our flock.  They came home with a turkey who now thinks he is a chicken.  His favorite thing to do is to sit on our porch swing and swing.  Turkeys have extremely good eyesight, so he can see in the house.  He likes to know where we are.  

Was it difficult adjusting to a new school that had already started its year?

Yes, it was difficult.  This whole year is hard to adjust to because the cohorts were different for me.  I had to adjust to seeing students on different days.

What is your favorite thing about NASH?

The community is wonderful, and the staff and students are great.  I like that everyone is really positive here.

What do you like least about hybrid learning?

I like to see people in person.  It is hard to teach people over a computer, especially for an environmental science class. 

What is your favorite season?

Summer is my favorite.  I like the flowers and weather.  I also like being able to wear flip flops and shorts. 

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?

I would most likely be a zoologist.  

If you could travel any place in the world, where would you pick?

New Zealand.  It would be beautiful to see.  There is everything there, like different landscapes and new people.

Who is your favorite artist?

I like the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

What are your favorite songs from them?

There’s a lot.  I would have to say “Paul Revere” [for Beastie Boys] and “Californication” [for Red Hot Chilli Peppers].

What is your favorite TV show/movie?

The Great British Baking Show.  It is a show you can watch, and you do not have to think too much about it.  Also, I like to bake, and of course, they speak in a British accent.