I am originally from the North of England, where my family still lives. I studied French from the age of 11, and spent many summers vacationing in France.

        As an undergraduate, I attended London University's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) where I studied Social Anthropology (including a semester abroad studying Chinese language and culture). SOAS is the only institution of higher education in the UK specializing in the multi-disciplinary study of Asian and African cultures and is currently the worlds largest institution of its kind. Since graduation I have traveled around the world, worked in business, and have taught English as a Second Language to students of all nationalities (including a year teaching in southern Poland).

        In 2002 I graduated from the University of Tennessee's Lyndhurst Program with a Master of Science degree in Education and Tennessee licensure 1-8. I also completed a year of internship placement during which I was fortunate to experience many different grade levels in many different settings. After moving to the Twin Cities, I volunteered at Maxfield and Hancock/Hamline Elementary Schools. I also worked in the Center for Multicultural and International Student Affairs at Hamline University. The MISA Center works to provide opportunities for students at Hamline to learn about, embrace and celebrate diverse ethnic, racial and cultural identities as well as offering support for students of color and international students. Although primarily responsible for international student affairs, I learned a lot about myself during my time at Hamline, leading me to explore important questions of diversity, my own racial identity, and the issues faced by students of color. My volunteer work at Maxfield and Hancock/Hamline allowed me to fully engage the complexities of a multicultural classroom as well as confirming my belief in the importance of literacy skills to student success.

        In October 2003, I was fortunate to be hired by the Saint Paul Public School District, teaching 6th grade writing and social studies at Groveland Park Elementary. I trained extensively in Writer's Worskhop and was inspired by what I learned. Since joining SPPS I have attended further training in both Reader's and Writer's Workshop through St. Paul's Project for Academic Excellence. I also attended Hamline University's Literacy Institute in both 2004 and 2007 where I took full advantage of lectures and workshops by some of the country's leading literacy experts.

        In 2004, I was very pleased to accept a first grade position at L'Etoile du Nord. This will be my fourth year here and my first year as an English Language Arts Instructor and building Literacy Coach.