Please share a little background about yourself:
I have been with HMS since 2013, and am currently a Primary Lead Teacher/Curriculum Coordinator. Morris County is where I call home where I grew up and am also currently raising my family. I studied Early Childhood Education at Salisbury University, where I earned my standard teaching certificate. I initially taught Kindergarten, First and Second grade in public schools which I thought was the setting I wanted to be in. I quickly realized that educating younger children was where my heart lied. This is how I discovered Montessori. I completed my two-year training course at West Side Montessori in Manhattan and now I feel I am right where I was meant to be.
What inspired you to becoming a teacher?
I was in second grade at a Catholic school and spent many afternoons in aftercare, where I would always look after the younger children. My teacher would always tell me I would make a wonderful teacher and her comments stayed with me. As I grew, my love for those younger than me did too. My first job was a babysitter. I had so much fun with the children in my care that my weekends were solidly booked with jobs.
What is your favorite area in the Montessori classroom?
Language is my favorite area of the Montessori classroom. My language area has many hand made materials that I made myself. I love to create new materials that are tailored to the needs and interests of the children in my class. What makes this job truly special is when a child comes into my classroom with little knowledge of letter sounds and leaves as a reader!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, I love to travel, especially to the beach. Aruba is my favorite destination. My 8-year-old daughter, Ellie, and 4-year-old son, Jax, collect shells from the beaches that we have travelled to. We have quite the collection. On the weekends, you may see me around town as a spectator at my daughter’s soccer, basketball and softball games or taking my two dogs, Ollie & Dylan, for a walk. I love to stay busy!
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