What a long and rewarding journey I have had as a music educator, teacher leader, and curriculum designer in Philadelphia! In 2003, I was given one mission by my hiring director: Build drumline programs in under-resourced neighborhood schools, and engage as many students as possible. Twenty years later, blessed with collaborative energy from communities, fellow educators, and arts organizations, I am proud to report this mission accomplished in over 30 schools across the city, and a movement that is engaging upperclassmen and alumni in professional teaching opportunities that were previously unavailable to them.As a White educator teaching, learning, and leading in communities of color, I will always be a student of social justice, equity, and the power of cultural interchange. Social justice inspires me to be a compassionate listener and do the ongoing work of anti-Racism. Equity inspires me to reach each student and emerging teaching artist with a visualization of their impact and success as a future educator. Cultural interchange has inspired the creation of two powerful, innovative learning systems: Mad Beatz and Food bEatz! Mad Beatz - the catalyst for Mad Beatz Philly - utilizes the rhythms of popular music and #hiphoped learning theories to accelerate collegiate-level musicianship training. The Mad Beatz system helps emerging teaching artists master the domains of percussion pedagogy, and helps certified educators find a shared language with students from diverse backgrounds. I am pleased to share the Mad Beatz system of teaching and learning in my publication “Mad Beatz for Beginning Drummers”, as well as professional development sessions throughout the Tri-State area.Food bEatz is a new and exciting series of rhythm games for music classrooms and after school programs, and has blessed me with powerful partners - Travien, Jermaine, and Damon Bryson! Co-creating and co-teaching with the Bryson brothers - whose resume includes years of performing with The Roots and Kool & The Gang - is truly an honor and a privilege. Their stories of growing up in South Philadelphia, and their perspective on how children experience and engage with music, are as valuable to me as any mentorship I have ever been blessed to receive.Beyond my skill with program development, community engagement, and innovation, my greatest assets are my values:1. Treat everyone with respect, all the time2. Work, rest, and play in equal parts3. Over-communicate appreciation 4. Receive communication with gratitudeThank you for allowing me to share myself.