I grew up in New Jersey; I am the oldest of four siblings. When I finished High School, I moved to Saranac Lake, New York to obtain an A.A.S Degree in Wilderness Recreational Leadership.  I then worked at a whitewater rafting company in Pennsylvania leading trips and instructing whitewater kayaking.  After doing that for a few years, I decided to travel across the US looking for the perfect outdoor Mecca.  It was Flagstaff that captured me. I finished my degree at NAU.  I studied Parks and Recreation Management with an emphasis on Outdoor Education.  I graduated in 2000, and travelled working seasonal jobs. In the summers, I worked as a whitewater kayak instructor, raft guide, backcountry ranger in Glacier National Park. In the winters, I worked as a counselor at several “Hoods in the Woods” facilities and also as a group home support staff for adults with disabilities.   After travelling around for three years, I finally moved back to Flagstaff in the fall of 2003. I decided that I loved working in the outdoor industry, but I wanted something more stable.  I loved working with kids and that is when I started working on my Master’s Degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Biology. I am still taking my time and will be finished soon.  I have been working at the FJA middle school working as an aide for students with special needs and as a sub for the past three years. When I am not working I spend my time travelling and being outdoors with my dogs. I also enjoy my time restoring air-cooled Volkswagens. I am looking forward to a great school year. Please feel free to stop by the classroom to see what we are doing.

www.engrade.com

5th6thfjateacher@gmail.com