I am an educator in the Chicago Public Schools, a 2011 Golden Apple fellow, and a Nationally Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescent English Language Arts. Depending on the year, I teach 6th/7th/8th grade reading and/or writing workshops and science. I’ve also enjoyed teaching after-school clubs: STEM, Journalism, Theatre, and Writing Clubs. I cannot overstate how important service is to me. I have hosted teaching residents from my alma mater UChicago's UTEP. I serve on Advance Illinois' Educator Advisory Council and on occasion, am fortunate enough to work with The High Jump Program Committee. I have completed a CFE action research and Teach Plus teaching policy fellowships to better myself, my teaching and leadership skills, and gain perspective. There is still so much for me to learn! I love reading & writing in coffeeshops and travel to new places when I can. I work to help students find their voice and understand the power of their words. I hope to make a difference in the lives of my students.