About Her Career:

1. What inspired you to become a teacher, and how did you decide to pursue this career?

Initially, I never wanted to be a teacher and I always wanted to work in medicine. After graduating college, I worked in the medical field and decided that wasn’t something I was passionate about so I tried to substitute teaching. Once I started to substitute teaching for the class of 2026 at Arroyo Seco, I quickly realized this was a career I wanted to pursue full-time and went on to get my teaching degree.

2. Can you describe your educational journey and what led you to teach at this school?

I graduated from Hart High School and went to UCLA and studied biology. After substitute teaching at Arroyo Seco, I was offered a full-time teaching position as an 8th-grade biology teacher. Although I love teaching 8th grade I realized my passion was to teach biology so when I saw an opportunity to move to Saugus to teach biology I jumped at the opportunity.

3. What has been the most rewarding part of your teaching career so far?

Watching my students succeed and become successful young adults. I am proud that I got to play a part in their educational journey and I can only hope I made a positive difference in their lives.

4. What do you think is the most important quality a teacher should have?

Acceptance and understanding. Having a teacher who has acceptance and understanding fosters an inclusive learning environment, as well as builds trust and relationships between teachers and students.

5. How do you stay motivated, especially during challenging times?

Being a teacher has helped me stay motivated during challenging times by realizing I have many students depending on me and many people around me who love and care about me. 

Teaching Style & Philosophy:

6. How would you describe your teaching style?

I would describe my teaching style as a laid-back approach where I allow students to make mistakes. I want my students to learn that mistakes are normal and they can learn from them to do better in the future. At the same time, I believe it is important to prepare students for life in the real world and hold them accountable for their actions but do so without judgment. 

7. How do you engage students who may not be as interested in the subject?

I try to make Biology fun and interesting by incorporating hands-on activities and relating science back to the real world.

8. What methods or strategies do you use to create a positive learning environment?

I try to develop a relationship with all my students so they feel comfortable in my classroom and they feel comfortable coming to me for help. I also make sure my classroom environment is welcoming to all students.

9. What do you hope students take away from your class, both academically and personally?

I hope students learn a lot about biology. But more importantly, I hope that my students learn how important kindness is. I want them to be resilient and realize they can do anything they put their mind to with hard work and determination.

Challenges & Growth:

10. What challenges have you faced as a teacher, and how have you overcome them?

Sometimes students can be challenging when it feels like you are unable to get through to them, but I always try to make them feel safe and cared for. This approach usually works.

11. What changes would you like to see in the education system, if any?

I would like to see a bigger push on literacy in the classroom, as well as more talk about the importance of mental health and well-being.

Fun/Personal Questions:

12. What is something most students don’t know about you?

That I love to travel and go camping. 

13. What is your favorite part of the school year?

The day we get out for summer

14. Do you have a favorite book, movie, or song that inspires you or is tied to your teaching?

Jason Derulo riding solo

Advice:

15. What advice would you give to students looking to succeed in your class?

Do the work and you will be okay.

16. What are your hopes for the future of education, especially for students in this school?

I hope all my students succeed in whatever endeavors they pursue. I want my students to know that I will be there for them long after they are out of my class.