The sentence that sums me up: I am a special education teacher. Specializing in autism intervention, I’ve taught for seven years (so far!) in a variety of classroom settings – everywhere from inclusive, co-taught classrooms to the self-contained small-group. I love teaching, and am always looking for new ways to engage my students – and, most importantly, provide children with disabilities access to appropriate and challenging curricula. I am also immensely interested in educational technology, and frequently experiment with ways to get my students excited about and engaged in the latest programs and tools available.

When I’m not teaching or lesson-planning, you can find me engulfed in a John Sandford book, or out, running and cycling in my neighborhood. If you’re a educator, you know – teaching is consuming. I believe strongly in striking a balance between the life you live and breathe as a teacher, and the life you lead at home and in your community. The best advice I’ve ever gotten? It shouldn’t be about “balancing” your teacher life and your home life, per se. You have got to live in the moment. So, in other words, when you’re enjoying a movie with your family — don’t check your email and worry about whether all of the copies for tomorrow’s lesson are made! It might require planning, organization and some mental fortitude, but it’s a strong mantra to live by. I’m trying.