Rooted Elements

I have taught in the area of special education as a behavior specialist for 10 years, and am currently teaching general education 2nd grade. I made the switch because I want to work with all kids of all abilities in one setting. I have a bachelors in elementary education and special education. I have a masters in integrating arts into education. I also teach kids yoga, kids art, and adult learning classes on behavior management and sensory integration.

I am a huge proponent of movement in the classroom and teaching kids through a whole body awareness and not just from the head up. I believe that it is important to have a large open space for students to move and explore learning. I believe that every concept in any subject can be reinforced through a kinesthetic lesson. I believe that learning should be "fun" and engaging. I believe that learning is active and is retained more if the whole body is involved. I believe that we, as humans, function better when we move.

I have earned a teacher of the year award for the Whitefish community. I have also earned a Soroptimist Fellowship award for professional women making a difference.

I received my undergrad and graduate degrees from the University of Montana. I am currently teaching 2nd grade and sporadically adult learners for continuing education credits and at Flathead Valley Community College.

First and foremost, I am a mother of two amazing children. Emma is 14 and Ethan is 11. They have taught me more than I will ever be able to teach them, and I am eternally grateful for how they have lit up my life. I absolutely love teaching and learning from all students. I have been immersed in working with very challenging students for the past 10 years. I taught in Florida for a few years at a school in crisis and have brought the Structured Learning Program (I created and implemented) for the past 8 years. I love building positive relationships with students that are "angry" at the world and are so discombobulated by the time I get them. I love watching their worlds relax and their days become lighter and more fun. I have taught across the pendulum from self-contained to full inclusion. I am currently in a general education setting for that very reason. I want to work with kids of all abilities and that is what a general education classroom is. I love finding creating fun ways for students to learn and enjoy themselves. I want school to be a positive experience for them. I want my students to wake up every day being excited about school and what they are about to learn. I absolutely love teaching and my motivation shows. I hope you enjoy my work and can lighten the load for some of the students you work with.