I am a dedicated educator with over twenty years of experience. I began my educational journey as a fifth grade teacher and I quickly learned that I valued building relationships with students. I worked to make connections with students before teaching them. I was the teacher that welcomed the “troubled” kids because I listened and affirmed them as people. After ten years of classroom teaching, I decided to become a school counselor.
Social emotional learning (SEL) is my passion. I has the honor of serving thousands of students and their families as a school counselor. It is through my work as a cultural competence trainer and equity coordinator developed into an advocate for social change in schools. I remember experiencing a circle for the first time with one of my equity mentors. “This is what the world needs more of!” was my instant inspiration. After that circle, I attend restorative practice workshop and I became a student at the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP.) My next career chapter became clear to me through my studies. Grow more restorative communities all over the world!
I believe all success or any happiness is rooted relationships. Listening to understanding is often the beginning to meaningful connections. Respect for everyone and accountability are guiding values in my restorative practices. I invite my clients to make small, explicit changes in their communication that create big gains over time in all of their relationships.
