I am a science educator, Montessorian, explorer, mom of two, and founder of Growing Home. Growing Home is a new business designed to guide and support caregivers, down a path that fosters a love of learning in children of all ages, by offering strategies and resources anchored in principles from nature and place-based learning, Montessori philosophy, and positive discipline. I work with families who want to add some new tools to their parenting toolbox, or feel overwhelmed by how to navigate having their children learning at home (especially during a pandemic). I help caregivers see how taking a whole child approach to education through imbedding learning into family life can cultivate joyful children and lead to harmonious families and a more peaceful world.

As an adolescent Montessori guide I was responsible for working with two other lead guides to create and implement a complete middle level program for children in grades 7-9. I planned and taught separate and integrated lessons across nearly all subjects areas (except foreign language) including geography, life and physical science, history, psychology, human development, writing, creative expression, physical education, team building, trip planning, and more.

As a High School Life Science teacher I was responsible for the development and implementation of a variety of life science courses including Biology, Environmental Science, and Forensic Science. I lead and participated in the development of large integrated projects with English and Social Studies teachers in the areas of public health, ecology, and race. As part of a PLC for sophomores I lead the work to establish a leadership development program using principles and activities from experiential and adventure-based education. My upper classmen participated in large self-directed inquiry projects that involved at times intense group problem solving, attention to technical detail during citizen science work, and a curiosity to learn and challenge themselves.

Develop hands-on, minds-on activities around carbon cycle topics for students from grades 7-12.Work closely with teachers to pilot new materials.Train new teachers to use the materials.

Worked alongside researchers at UNH and the USDA Forest Service to study soil respiration and total belowground carbon allocation.

Taught a few lectures, held office hours for students, gave and graded exams.

Led children ages 6-16 in programs from general camp to 5-day backpacking trips.