Hello!  Thank you for wanting to know a little bit more about me, the English Language Learner (ELL) Specialist for Central Dauphin School District! 

My first job out of college was in 2000 an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Rutherford Elementary. I am very fortunate to have been at this wonderful school and district for so many years!  I am very passionate about teaching English Learners (ELs) and watching them succeed, but I am also very motivated to continue learning in order to develop my own professional skills.

My educational career started at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania where I majored in Elementary Education and had concentrations in both Spanish and Exceptional Children.  A few years later, after I realized that I really enjoyed teaching reading and writing to students, I decided to pursue a Master's of Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State University.  Along with this degree, I also received my Reading Specialist Certification and my ESL Certificate.  I am also passionate in helping my colleagues learn more about ESL strategies and how to educate ELs.  Because of this desire, I decided to work part-time as an adjunct professor for Penn State University where I teach English Language Development (ELD) classes to graduate-level students and/or current teachers.  All of my experiences led me to wanting to further educate myself, therefore, I enrolled in a doctorate program from Penn State University and I earned my Doctorate in Adult Education.  My dissertation focused on the significant teaching and learning experiences of ESL teachers and this helped me to understand more about teachers as learners themselves and the importance of professional development and teacher collaboration. 

As the ELL Specialist for Central Dauphin School District, I will use my knowledge and skills in order to help our English Learner (EL) population grow both socially and academically.  My background in adult education will also help me to offer professional development opportunities for teachers, administrators, and other important staff members in our district.  I am committed to helping our ELs feel welcome at school and to embrace the cultural diversity that they bring into our school system!

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.  I also enjoy traveling, learning about new cultures, taking photos, baking, and shopping. 

Thank you for taking the time to read about my life and my passion for teaching and learning in ELD!