Skillful Pathways

My teaching style is rooted in compassion and inclusivity, fostering a supportive environment where middle and high school students feel valued for their individual strengths. I always emphasize the importance of learning from failures, viewing mistakes as crucial stepping stones to success, and inspire determination and perseverance in my students. By respecting each unique learner and encouraging diverse learning styles, I create a dynamic classroom atmosphere that empowers students to take risks and grow both academically and personally. Encouraging inclusivity, respect, and understanding allows students to share their thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment, which enhances their engagement and participation in learning.

My journey in education reflects a strong commitment to supporting students with disabilities, beginning with my hands-on experience in a therapeutic classroom and leading to advanced degrees in teaching and special education. I began the journey at Lane Community College and then transferred to the University of Oregon where I completed my Bachelors and Masters in Education. At this time, I was working full time as the Special Education teacher in a 5-8th grade therapeutic self-contained classroom while assisting the creation of our high school program. I then went back to college at Pacific University to get my endorsement in Special Education where I was able to be the case manager on my own Individualized Education Plans. I have taught for 11 years in Special Education classrooms aging from Kindergarten through 12th grade.