The Wonder Workshop

I am an elementary gifted education specialist with over 18 years of classroom experience serving high-ability learners in grades K–5. Throughout my career, I have focused on designing enrichment experiences that build critical thinking, creative problem-solving, independence, and confidence in students. I believe gifted learners deserve meaningful challenge — not just more work. Every resource I create is classroom-tested and intentionally designed to stretch thinking, encourage depth, and support the development of confident, self-directed learners. The materials in The Wonder Workshop reflect my commitment to rigorous, engaging learning that grows curious minds.

My teaching style is rooted in challenge, curiosity, and independence. I believe high-ability students thrive when they are given meaningful problems to solve, space to think deeply, and opportunities to create. In my classroom, students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, justify their thinking, and work through productive struggle. I design learning experiences that move beyond right answers and instead focus on reasoning, reflection, and growth. I strive to build confident learners who are capable, creative, and self-directed.

Some of the most meaningful milestones in my career have come through reflection and growth rather than formal awards. While completing my Master’s degree, I shifted from prescriptive teaching to a more project-based, differentiated model. I saw both gifted learners and students who struggled with traditional testing thrive when they could demonstrate understanding through projects and performance-based assessments. Later, in a gifted pull-out model, I recognized the importance of explicitly teaching executive function, leadership, and social-emotional skills. By integrating STEAM challenges and SEL instruction, I watched students grow in persistence, depth of discussion, and confidence. These experiences shape every resource I create.

I am a proud product of Pinellas County Schools, having attended locally from kindergarten through twelfth grade. I have dedicated my entire teaching career to serving students in Pinellas County, primarily in Title I schools. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from St. Petersburg College, graduating with Honors. I later completed my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Educational Technology at the University of Florida. I also earned my Gifted Endorsement through Pinellas County Schools. My educational background reflects my commitment to rigorous instruction, thoughtful integration of technology, and specialized support for high-ability learners within diverse school communities.

When I’m not designing lessons or teaching bright young minds, I’m a mom of two and the owner of a small homemade salsa business — because creativity doesn’t stop at the classroom door! I enjoy reading, thrift store finds, playing my ukulele, and making memories with family and friends. I believe curiosity and creativity are lifelong traits, and I try to nurture both in my students and in my own life.