Hi everybody!

In one of my sessions during new teacher orientation with Perth Amboy, I was introduced to the words and work of Jimmy Casas. Usually, the start of the school year is filled with fluffy words and clichéd promises…. But his work is different. I looked him up, and found a quote that resonates with me. “Strive to be a leader who doesn’t wait for others to change: You change. Take responsibility for your own behavior. You cannot paralyze yourself because others are not doing the things that need to be done. Take initiative and be the change, not the same.”

I’m letting that be my motivator this year. I’m changing my mindset, and looking forward to a new tomorrow, every day, where I can make a difference in both my professional and personal lives.

I’m so excited to begin my newest journey, and to take on my newest role as a panther. 🐾

So... a bit about me: 

I am a Jersey girl, through and through. I was born and raised in Edison, where I graduated from Edison High School. From there, I pursued both my undergraduate degree (Bachelors with a focus on Creative Writing/ Poetry) and my graduate degree (Masters in Secondary English Education) at Rutgers-New Brunswick, School of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate School of Education.

I previously taught for many years at Franklin High School, where I primarily focused on 11th Grade World Literature and the Concurrent
English Placement 12th Grade Language Arts Course in collaboration with Raritan Valley Community College. I also had the honor of teaching Poetry Today, a modern poetry elective, and advising the literary magazine. Most recently, after taking a short break from teaching to take care of my family, I swapped districts and taught 6th grade ELA in North Plainfield, where I also co-advised the literary magazine there. 

On a personal note, I have two children named Landon and Lena, and a family of cement porch geese that my kids and I dress up all year long. I love spending time with my kids, crafting, and attempting to garden. I have more free time now, so I’m trying to find new hobbies, music, and shows. Highlights of my summer included going to Legoland, embracing the small activities of summer like catching fireflies and having waterfights with my kids, and attending the Outlaw Music Festival.

I am so beyond happy to return to a high school setting. High school English is where my heart is, and I'm looking forward to a great school year!!