Hello. I am an educator that has taught in formal and informal educational settings. I am currently the education director at our local museum of science, health, and technology. In this capacity I bring together all of my skills and experience in teaching and presenting, communicating concepts, and creating exhibits and materials. I am a Montessori credentialed and experienced Elementary I and II teacher and traditionally trained and licensed secondary teacher in social studies and language arts. I am also a certified naturalist and freelance writer; I occasionally write articles, textbook passages, and book reviews. I am a parent of three intelligent and kind young women. As an educator, I value sharing ideas and building community as well as promoting purposeful, quality approaches. Cosmic education and practical life are two of the most important tenets of Montessori philosophy. Cosmic education starts with the whole universe and works toward the parts, providing an understanding of the big-picture interconnectedness of everything. Practical life skills are basic, useful, and purposeful. They are the skills of self-sufficiency and intentional, rooted daily life.