I’ve been a trainer since my first job scooping ice cream at Friendly’s. The manager saw something in me that made him decide I should train the new hires for the busy summer season. I quickly realized there was no established method for teaching the fine art of ice cream scooping and Sundae creation, so I developed my own. I have enjoyed many professional positions in the field of education – teacher, trainer, curriculum developer, school administrator, and mentor. My personal and professional experiences have taught me a few things about myself: I like people. A former boss once nicknamed me “The Parent Whisperer” for my ability to listen empathically and diffuse potentially difficult situations. I excel at training and development. Along with ice cream scooping, I have developed training for writing instruction, classroom management, and educational technology. When I started a youth sports photography business, I conducted training sessions to teach the league parents how to use their cameras.  I see the big picture. I value individual goals and skills and align them with the vision and needs of the organization. I can take my middle school teaching skills into any other experience. The experience of guiding young teenagers taught me to be organized, focused, flexible, self-deprecating, tough, humble, and confident all the same time.I enjoy making new personal and professional connections. Conversation topics can include education, training, raising teenage boys, and inflexible yoga.