I have been an elementary teacher since 2003. I started out here at Mill Road as a developmental kindergarten teacher and learned alot about the differences in the ways that children learn and the developmental sequences that most children go through. I then moved to first grade after four years of kindergarten. I loved teaching first grade because the children are so excited about learning. After three years in first grade, I had an opportunity to make the "Big Move" to fourth grade and have been there since. It has been especially rewarding to teach my former students again.
Prior to teaching, I held a variety of different jobs. After graduating from high school, I served in the navy on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Saratoga (now decommissioned) for four years. I had wonderful opportunities to travel around the world and see things I never dreamed I would see! I drove a school bus for six years, worked as a social welfare worker, and was a security guard while attending SUNY New Paltz. My Bachelor's degree was in Political Science, but it didn't lead me to a satisfying job. Later, I went on to obtain a Masters of Science in Teaching and graduated in 2000. Teaching is truly the BEST job, as far as I am concerned! When I am not teaching, I volunteer at the Mohonk Preserve and the Esopus Creek Conservancy in Saugerties. I love to travel, do nature photography, and do all kinds of outdoor activities. I also take care of the school nature trail and maintain the Outdoor Learning Area web pages.
