
About Me
Author & Creative
As a writer, I focus on creating therapeutic and inclusive stories that help young readers navigate complex emotions and circumstances. My debut picture book, Goodbye Sister: A Sibling's Book for Infant Loss (2022), provides families with a gentle yet evidence-based story to help them process grief together. I am dedicated to telling stories that serve as mirrors and windows for children of all backgrounds.
ESL Educator & Curriculum Developer
As a teacher of multilingual students, I specialize in ESL pedagogy and English instruction. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every student has the support they need to thrive. Beyond the classroom, I partner with organizations to develop curriculum units and professional development seminars that are both creative and culturally responsive. I strive to support students of all ages through engaging lessons based on proven instructional strategies including project-based learning, SIOP, and Comprehensible Input.
Career Highlights & Community Leadership
Beyond the classroom and my writing desk, my career is defined by a commitment to collaborative leadership and community-driven philanthropy:
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Shakespeare Scholar: MLitt in Shakespeare in Performance from Mary Baldwin University, specializing in Practice-Based Research and Early Modern English Drama.
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Unitarian Universalist Leader: Director of Children’s Religious Exploration for Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalists and former Executive Director of Camp Quest, Inc., promoting empathy and belonging in youth programs nationwide.
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Organizational Facilitator: Supporting groups in building equitable decision-making systems through Sociocracy and collaborative governance since 2017.
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Community Builder: Co-founded the non-profit radio station WQSV 106.3 FM in Staunton, VA—now 10 years strong! Supporter and volunteer for multiple community and arts organizations.
I'm a a storyteller and educator based in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. My work is rooted in the belief that language and literature are powerful tools for building inclusive, compassionate communities—whether that is in a high school classroom, summer camp, or through the pages of a children’s book.


Education
Mary Baldwin University
Master of Letters in Shakespeare and Performance
Ariel Award for Outstanding Service and Leadership to the Graduate Program
Hunter College, City University of New York
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Magna Cum Laude
Ari Viera Award for Excellence in Theatre
Robert Lo Bianco Grant
Friar's Club Scholar
University of Richmond & University of Virginia at Wise
Continuing Teacher Education
Center for Applied Linguistics
Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol
Comprehensible Classroom
CI Bootcamp
Sociocracy for All
Sociocracy Leadership Training
Stanford University NovoEd
Practice-Based Research Certificate
Team Leader, with Honors