Lit LAB

Experienced middle school ELA teacher; co-writer of our district ELA curriculum; director of school drama productions, advised school newspaper. Award-winning playwright, freelance writer and active member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Adjunct instructor of English and writing at the college level. Prior to teaching, worked as a supervisor for ABC Radio Networks Broadcast News & Engineering division in NYC.

I try to inspire passion for literature and writing through thoughtful analysis and real-world connections. I hope my students develop the ability to think, make meaningful connections to themselves and our world, and discover the joy of a deep dive into literature and their own writing. I will use anything that connects to kids--TV, movies, songs--anything, and connect themes to our literature and classroom writing. I also try to convince every child that he or she has something of value to say. If they care about their message, they will care about how it is presented.

Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Award, 2009. Phi Delta Kappa Outstanding Cooperating Teacher Award, SUNY New Paltz, 2014.

MS in Teaching from Iona College, New Rochelle, NY. BA in Communications/Radio & TV Broadcasting from CW Post College/Long Island University.

Five-time published playwright, specializing in school and community theatre, with plays being performed around the world. Freelance writer with experience in newspapers and magazines for adults and children. Professional editor and writing teacher. Former full-scholarship athlete who competed internationally.