ABOUT
I have spent my entire life working in the field of education. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychological Services with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development and a Master's in Learning and Instruction with a Special Education Credential K-12 from the University of San Francisco. I currently work for an Independent private school and have been there for seventeen years as the Director of Learning Services. Before that, I spent ten years in the San Francisco Unified School District as a Learning Specialist.
I have done most jobs in a school, allowing me to understand all aspects of the learning journey from the inside out. I have taught every grade from preschool to eighth grade. I have worked in Admissions and supported Diversity and Strategic Plan initiatives. Education has been my lifelong passion and I am committed to this work supporting children, families, and educators.
I have the privileged opportunity to inspire and motivate students to reach their potential by helping them better understand themselves. The goal is to help raise a child’s self-esteem, build their toolbox of strategies, and promote their self-advocacy skills. Working with families, I build a strong connection and think of the support provided as being part of the village raising their children. My job is to partner with families to make informed decisions to best meet their child's needs.
When I am not working or coaching students, you can find me hiking in the Presidio or walking on the beach with my dog Zuko. I love to be outdoors in nature but will always find time for a good book. I like to find balance in my life and seek out opportunities for self-reflection, self-care, and mindfulness. I am currently writing a children's book series.
My Resume
Highlights
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Master’s degree in Learning and Instruction
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Multiple and Special Education Credentials K-12
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Bachelor's degree in Psychological Services with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education
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Private Practice for 15 years
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Twenty-eight years of experience in public and private school settings at the preschool and elementary school level
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Extensive experience with assessment and screening tools for elementary-aged students in the areas of reading, phonics, writing, math, speech interventions, and fine/gross motor development
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Specific training in providing interventions for students with learning differences, attentional challenges, executive functioning weaknesses, sensory integration needs, and/or fine/gross motor challenges
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Coordinates plans for accommodations, strategies, and remediation using the school and outside resources
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Administer initial psycho-educational screening of students referred by teachers or families for academic concerns
Skills
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with students, teachers, and parents
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Empathy, patience, and a genuine passion for supporting the holistic development of students
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Strong emotional intelligence
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Ability to make strong connections with students and families
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Commitment to neurodiversity affirming educational practices and principles
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Ability and willingness to work collaboratively
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Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
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Interest in a trauma-informed, healing-centered approach to student services
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Ability to effectively communicate with parents about a variety of learning differences
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Strong organizational and record-keeping skills
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Willingness to have a flexible schedule to accommodate meetings with students and parents
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Sense of humor
Services
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1:1 Academic coaching for students from preschool to eighth grade
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Educational testing
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Homework support
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Test Prep: Test-taking strategies
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Executive Function coach
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High School applications
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Parent coach
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Family advocate
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Classroom Revitalization
Hobbies and Interests
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Hiking in Marin
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Writing Children's Books
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Walking my dog in Golden Gate Park
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Beach days
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Photography
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Podcasts
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Reading novels and non-fiction books
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Professional Development
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Baking