My objective as an educator is to maximize each student’s potential by making them more independent learners. I think of myself more as an academic guide than an instructor, and allow students to use their own innate learning styles to solve problems and arrive at conclusions. I achieve this by using inquiry-based instruction methods, hands-on activities, and giving students ownership over their learning.

I studied conservation biology at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. During my junior year I had the opportunity to study tropical ecology abroad for an entire semester. It was here that I learned to love hands-on science and field work, and how science applies to the real world. After a couple years teaching outdoor education I decided to obtain my secondary teaching certificate at National Louis University in Chicago

I taught Biology in the Chicago Public School System for three years, and then moved to Minnesota where I have been teaching biology for the past four years to incarcerated youth.

Over my eight years in education I have sponsored environmental clubs, and coached boys and girls basketball as well as track and field. Outside of school, I am always outside! I hike, bike, camp, kayak, and fish with my kids when I have the time. But I spend a lot of time on my farm feeding chickens, picking apples, weeding…there is always something to do on the farm!

ACT overall 26
ACT English section 31