Northern Lights Science

Twenty-seven years of teaching experience Twenty-two years of publishing history

I am a global thinker who inherently emphasizes the big picture, because it is easy for students to get lost in the details of any given unit. I immerse my students with hands-on opportunities and teach them to become independent problem solvers. I teach with empathy and strive to promote a growth mindset.

Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Education (Nominee, 2015) The National Society of Scholars of Recognition (2016) Kohl Fellowship (State finalist- 2014, 2015) Cloverbelt Scholar Teacher Recognition Award (2015) Academic Honoree Teacher of Recognition (2024) Alumni recognition letters from various college dean of students Three-time keynote speaker at commencement I was introduced to the Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker, in 2017.

HS Diploma - Marshfield, Marshfield, WI 1991 // Bachelor of Arts - St. Olaf, Northfield, MN 1995 // Masters in Education, Professional Development - UW-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI 2001

I published my first book through Teachers' Discovery Science Division (MI), "112 Activities and Tactics for Life Science Teachers." Over 900 copies sold. My second book is titled "Treading Water," which is a memoir that chronicles my struggles as a first-year teacher in a compelling story (Amazon). I have also published kits through Lab-Aids (NY), Science Kit and Boreal Laboratories (NY), and through Flinn Scientific (IL). Over 15,000 of my reusable games and kits are in classrooms across America! The list of my other publications: Diagnosis! You are the Part 1 (Flinn Scientific) Diagnosis! You are the Part 2 (Flinn Scientific) Microscope "Mystery" Lab Kit (Flinn Scientific) Salmon Run Board Game (WARD'S) Migration Game (WARD'S) Natural Selection: A Game of Chance (WARD'S) Molecules of Metabolism Lab Kit #520 (Lab-Aids) I student taught in Pharr, TX, along the Mexican border. I also served as a camp counselor and backpack guide @ Camp Christikon, MT, the summers of 1995 and 1996.