A general education classroom teacher for over 25 years, I have also worked in the area of Talented and Gifted for the majority of those years. Currently I work as the Highly Capable Coordinator for the West Valley School District #208 where I also teach 7th/8th grade classes.
Identified gifted as an elementary student, I've experienced much of the same challenges and downfalls I see in today's gifted students. Because of this, I am able to recognize and connect with their social emotional and academic needs in a way that fuels my desire to bring appropriate awareness and instruction to students across our state.
In addition to my Master's Degree and National Board Certification, I have also earned a Specialty Endorsement in Gifted Education through Whitworth University. I've since been an occasional adjunct faculty member, supervising graduate students as they complete their field study during the school year and teaching an online summer course called Differentiating Instruction for Highly Capable Students.
In 2013 I was asked to become part of a cadre of teachers assembled and trained to provide ongoing professional development throughout the state. This was a cooperative effort through the ESDs, OSPI, Whitworth, and WAETAG (Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted). I became the ESD105 Representative for WAETAG in 2014, Vice President & Conference Chair in 2016, and President in 2018.
When asked what I do for hobbies in my spare time, I usually reply by sharing the above activities. Gifted education has been an important part of my life for my entire life. It has become a passion of mine that I am honored to share with others, children and adults alike.
Identified gifted as an elementary student, I've experienced much of the same challenges and downfalls I see in today's gifted students. Because of this, I am able to recognize and connect with their social emotional and academic needs in a way that fuels my desire to bring appropriate awareness and instruction to students across our state.
In addition to my Master's Degree and National Board Certification, I have also earned a Specialty Endorsement in Gifted Education through Whitworth University. I've since been an occasional adjunct faculty member, supervising graduate students as they complete their field study during the school year and teaching an online summer course called Differentiating Instruction for Highly Capable Students.
In 2013 I was asked to become part of a cadre of teachers assembled and trained to provide ongoing professional development throughout the state. This was a cooperative effort through the ESDs, OSPI, Whitworth, and WAETAG (Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted). I became the ESD105 Representative for WAETAG in 2014, Vice President & Conference Chair in 2016, and President in 2018.
When asked what I do for hobbies in my spare time, I usually reply by sharing the above activities. Gifted education has been an important part of my life for my entire life. It has become a passion of mine that I am honored to share with others, children and adults alike.
