This is my 5th year as a Literacy Specialist for a district in West Michigan. Before that I was a 5th grade teacher, 2nd grade teacher, and taught in a Sp. Ed. teaming room at these grade levels as well. My current position includes literacy coaching, curriculum creation/alignment and ELA coordination. I have presented at Michigan Reading Association on establishing partnerships with other literacy leaders, and on creating units of study for writing (specifically poetry for 3-6th grade). I recently had the privilege of traveling to NYC to attend Columbia's Teachers College for the Summer Reading Institute. Most importantly, I am blessed to work with the talented and loving teachers of my district as well as the exceptional children whom we learn alongside each day.

I believe emphatically that learners rise to the level of expectation set. I have seen amazing transformation with individuals when high expectations have been held and they have been loved into the new way of doing or being. Hopefully my teaching style reflects that I know I am one learner among many.

Magna Cum Laude GVSU Muskegon Chronicle "Newsmaker"

Undergrad Degree in Group Sciences with an Emphasis in Biology and a Minor in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University Master's Degree in Literacy Studies from Western Michigan University

I am a research junky. (Geeky, I know) I was sad when my Master's Thesis project was done (Seriously!). I love to read about literacy learning, education leadership, and communication/coaching methods. In my role as a literacy leader, I try to stay abreast of the current thinking in the field and model life-long learning. Plus, research is just plain fun, right? :)