I have been teaching middle school science since 2000. I have taught in traditional classrooms and informal settings such as museums, summer programs, camps, and private tutoring. In addition to science, I have taught reading, social studies, character education, human development, study skills, and algebra classes. I have coached middle school cross country, track, and snowboarding (varsity and middle school). I was the head coach for the middle school snowboarding team before stepping down in 2013. I have coached Science Olympiad and FIRST LEGO League teams and taught LEGO Mindstorms robotics programming camps.I have been a test pilot and trainer for many technology initiatives, including online grading, portal systems, and curriculum mapping software. I was elected by my peers to the Faculty/Administration Council, a volunteer position that improves communication and serves as a mediator between the teachers and administrators in the middle school building. I volunteered as the Regional Director and Treasurer for Oakland County’s Science Olympiad tournament. I have also served on the Michigan Science Teachers Association Awards Committee and the National Science Teachers Association Committee on Informal Science Teaching.I have a Master's in Educational Psychology from Wayne State University. My thesis paper was titled "Cyberbullying: A Virtually Frightening Reality for Parents and Schools."Specialties: STEM teaching, informal science, study skills, teacher & student motivation, technology in the classroom, writing & mapping curricula, teaching science in informal settings, cyberbullying research & prevention.