I am the one and only science teacher at Lincoln Street Alternative High School. Each year, I teach Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Global Systems, and a variety of science electives. Science electives may include Environmental Science, Weather and Climate, Experimental Design, and Nature among others. I also teach open electives and team teach interdisciplinary classes with our other teachers.

I am a life-long Michigander. I grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan and attended Oakland Community College before moving to the Upper Peninsula to attend Northern Michigan University. I graduated from NMU in 2011 with a B.S. in Integrated Science Education and minors in Biology as well as Earth and Space Science Education. Shortly after earning my bachelor’s degree, I started working toward a graduate degree at Wayne State University. In 2015, I earned a M.Ed. in Special Education with a concentration in Learning Disabilities. I taught for three years at Berkley’s Alternative High School before joining Lincoln Street in 2015. I currently live in Ferndale with my partner, Sean and our cat, Bella. I love living in Ferndale. I enjoy growing vegetables, cooking, canning, watching TV, short hikes, and riding my bike. I value relaxation time.

I am very passionate about the state of Michigan and its natural resources. I want my students to realize the importance of our environment. I try to incorporate place-based education into my classes. I believe this helps students to understand the importance of what we are learning and the connection it has to their lives. One way I have been able to share hands-on place-based learning with our students is through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources: Salmon in the Classroom program. Our school has participated in Salmon in the Classroom since 2017. We receive salmon eggs from the DNR each fall. Students watch the eggs hatch, help feed and raise the fish, clean the tank, and monitor tank water quality. We release the 3-inch-long fry in a local river each spring. The feedback I receive from students is that they really enjoy participating in this program. I frequently see students make connections in the classroom with our salmon to lessons about food webs, ecosystems, and water quality.

My goal is to share my excitement for science with my students. I enjoy helping students learn, grow, and challenge themselves. I do not expect all of my students to become scientists, but I do want my students to come away with a better understanding of the world around them.