KeystoKinder

I am a current kindergarten teacher with teaching experience across grades birth through 4th. I hold dual bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, and I am certified to teach grades birth through 6th. Over the years, I have worked with diverse groups of learners, including English Language Learners and students with special needs, always striving to create an engaging and supportive classroom.

My teaching style is built on consistency, predictability, and strong relationship-building. I use evidence-based behavioral strategies such as prompting and fading, reinforcement, modeling, shaping, and errorless learning to promote success for all students. I incorporate tools like visual schedules, token systems, and social stories to encourage independence and self-regulation. With my background in Applied Behavior Analysis, I design lessons that are not only engaging but also data-driven. I use strategies such as task analysis to break skills into manageable steps, functional communication training to give students positive ways to express their needs, and generalization practices to help learners apply skills across different settings. These methods support diverse learners—including general education, English Language Learners, and students with special needs—by providing structure, flexibility, and opportunities for growth. My ultimate goal is to create a supportive classroom environment where every child has the tools they need to thrive both academically and socially.

One of my proudest teaching moments was stepping into my very own kindergarten classroom as the sole teacher, just as I was concluding my student teaching. This opportunity allowed me to apply everything I had learned and truly begin shaping the lives of my students. Watching my students grow—both academically and socially—has been the most rewarding part of my career so far.

My journey in education began as a high school student, when I had the chance to leave school each day to assist in a local kindergarten classroom. It was there that I fell in love with teaching and knew education was my calling. It was also in that classroom where I first discovered my passion for behavior—seeing firsthand how consistency, support, and positive strategies could make such a difference for students. I went on to attend Southeast Missouri State University, where I earned two bachelor’s degrees in just four years: one in Early Childhood Education and one in Elementary Education. Because of my growing passion for behavior and student support, I chose to continue my education. I will be graduating in Spring 2025 with a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, further equipping me to design effective, evidence-based strategies that help all learners succeed.

Teaching has always been close to my heart. I grew up in a big family and always loved being around children, which has shaped the teacher I am today. Outside of school, I recently married my high school sweetheart in December 2024, and I am a proud cat mom to a sweet and snuggly tortie named Adrian. I am passionate about education, creativity, and making meaningful resources for teachers everywhere.