I’ve been an educator my entire career. I’m originally from Michigan and attended the University of Michigan, where I earned a bachelor's degree in English, history, and philosophy as well as a teaching certificate for grades 6-12 in English and history. I started my teaching career as a high school English teacher here in Texas. During that time, I also earned a master’s degree at the University of Houston in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis in language and reading instruction.
After nine years of teaching at the high school level, I then had the unique opportunity to teach at a private elementary school with a classical curriculum. I found that I loved teaching elementary-aged students, especially teaching reading and math. I enjoyed that for seven years before I got married and had a son of my own.
My husband’s job then took us to Europe for seven years. When my son was three, I started looking for a Montessori school for him. I had been aware of Maria Montessori and her innovative methodology for decades and knew that it was the type of education that I wanted for my son. Unfortunately, I was only able to find what I call MINO’s---Montessori in Name Only schools.
Once we returned to the U.S. (Miami) and were able to enroll my son in an authentic Montessori school, I decided that it was the perfect time to see if teaching in a Montessori school at the primary level was a good fit for me. I earned an AMI certificate as a Montessori assistant and found a job as an assistant at an AMI certified school. It didn’t take me long to realize what a joy it would be to work with primary-aged children. I then applied to the Montessori Institute of North Texas, where I earned my certificate to be an AMI Montessori guide. As part of my training, I was fortunate to do my practice teaching in Ms. Vazquez’s room.
During COVID, my husband and I decided to move back to Texas, a place where we knew we belonged. I immediately contacted Northwood, but sadly, no positions were available at that time. Instead, I accepted a job at a well-respected Montessori school in The Woodlands, where I worked for two years, gaining valuable experience as a lead guide. When a position became available at Northwood in 2022, I had to apply knowing what a high-quality school Northwood is. I am so pleased to be part of an amazing staff and school.
