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For over twenty years, I've been dedicated to supporting diverse learners and empowering educators. My firsthand experience with the real challenges faced by students and teachers has fueled my passion for creating impactful educational solutions. From coaching students through complex content to equipping educators with effective strategies, my mission has always been clear: to make learning engaging, accessible, and transformative.
My journey into the science of learning has deepened my understanding of human cognitive architecture, leading to the integration of these insights with cutting-edge technologies. This exploration has revealed that neurodiversity is not just a challenge but a profound asset, and that inclusive, effective instruction is within reach.
Throughout my career, I've championed the belief that educators deserve not only more resources but also smarter, more supportive systems that make effective instruction easier to plan and implement. By reimagining outdated educational frameworks and embracing innovative principles and tools, we can dramatically enhance outcomes for everyone—educators, parents, and students alike, making learning a rewarding and transformative experience for all.
Let’s collaborate to make it happen.
With over 20 years in education, including 15 years as a classroom teacher, I bring a powerful blend of cognitive science and technology to empower learners and educators. My deep understanding of educational systems, honed through roles in school administration and coaching teachers across diverse classrooms, enables me to optimize learning outcomes with cutting-edge strategies. Passionate about the dynamic intersection of cognitive science, learning, and AI in education, I am dedicated to transforming lives through accessible, effective, and innovative learning experiences.
Placer County Office of Education
Educational Technology Specialist
• Boosted proficiency in educational technology, resulting in increased integration of edtech tools across the district, by delivering customized professional development and coaching to teachers, staff, and administrators.
•Streamlined system access and user experience, improving efficiency and usability of LMS and SIS platforms, managing single sign-on implementations and facilitating seamless integrations of edtech apps.
•Enhanced inclusive learning environments, leading to improved accessibility and student engagement, particularly for students with extensive needs, by implementing UDL initiatives, assistive technologies, and AAC devices, while coaching educators on best practices.
Education Specialist Instructor/Coach
• Supported 100+ teacher interns' professional growth, aligning with Teaching Performance Expectations and program standards, through constructive coaching and supervision.
• Facilitated self-reflection and improvement of teaching practices using effective questioning techniques and teaching strategies.
• Fostered team collaboration and clear communication among cooperating professionals and interns.
• Promoted innovative, research-based instructional practices to meet diverse learner needs, demonstrating extensive knowledge in effective teaching methods.
• Conducted regular observations, maintaining positive relationships with interns and school staff, ensuring adherence to program timelines and reporting requirements.
• Developed coaching tools and aligned programs to CCTC standards, designing and delivering in-person, online, and hyflex courses using evidence-based instruction and best practices for adult learners.
• Created and instructed several courses for the credential program and designed the lesson plan framework now used to teach new teachers how to plan.
• Delivered professional development on assessment, tech integration, UDL, inclusion, culturally responsive teaching, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed practices.
Roseville City School District
Assistant Principal
• Enhanced student outcomes by streamlining MTSS referrals, interventions, and data access, resulting in significant improvements to existing systems
• Ensured compliance and efficiency in IEP and 504 processes by establishing and piloting innovative systems, resolving inefficiencies, and improving learner outcomes
• Strengthened safety and inclusivity with comprehensive threat assessments and improved emergency response protocols, including access for multi-language learners and their families
• Fostered a collaborative community by strategically engaging families of multi-language learners, leading to significant increases in family engagement
• Promoted equity within the school community by cofounding and leading an equity team, identifying and addressing key issues related to equity and inclusion
• Designed solutions for positive behavior support and intervention by developing restorative discipline modules that were adopted district-wide, resulting in improved disciplinary practices and behavior
• Supported school operations by assisting the Principal and managing administrative functions, ensuring smooth and efficient task completion
• Optimized staff performance through thorough evaluations and goal-oriented meetings, driving improved outcomes
Roseville Joint Union High School District
Antelope Valley Union High School District
Special Education Teacher (RSP, SDC, Inclusion)
• Accomplished measurable student progress by designing and implementing instructional strategies tailored for diverse learners
• Boosted student achievement in core subjects by pioneering a district-wide co-teaching model
• Ensured compliance and improved outcomes by coordinating IEP implementation as a case manager
• Elevated at-risk student performance and engagement by creating and delivering successful intervention programs
• Enhanced technology integration by providing training and support as the district's Leader in Technology Education (LITE)
• Led teams and initiatives as Department Chair, Professional Learning Community Lead, and Assistant Speech/Debate coach
Professional Development Specialist (RJUHSD)
• Facilitated new teacher induction programs, resulting in successful integration of equity-minded teaching practices
• Coordinated monthly meetings and weekly observation sessions, driving the adoption of effective instructional strategies
• Addressed teacher needs and supported staff development through collaboration with site principals and participation in mentoring training
• Designed and delivered instructional leadership training and facilitated professional learning teams, enhancing district-wide professional development initiatives
Advanced Articulate Storyline (Certificate)
Oregon State University
Clear CA Administrative Services Credential
Placer County Office of Education
Master of Educational Technology
Online Teaching (Certificate)
Boise State University
Clear CA Education Specialist Credential (Mild/Mod, Autism Authorization, CLAD)
Point Loma Nazarene University
Bachelor of Arts: Social Science; Minor: Public Relations
California State University, Chico
Presentations
"Breaking the Brain's Bottleneck: Optimizing Working Memory for Learning"
Spring CUE, 2023, Palm Springs, CA
"Take a Cognitive Load off"
Spring CUE, 2022, Palm Springs, CA
"Executive Functions in the Classroom: Practical Applications and Strategies for Teachers and Learners"
Morrisey Compton Executive Functioning and Learning Conference, 2017, Stanford, CA)
Awards
Teacher Who Makes a Difference
California Association of School Administrators
Rookie Teacher of the Year
Antelope Valley High School SpEd Department
Professional Development & Course Design:
• brAIn Aligned Lesson Design
• Brains & Behavior & Trauma: strategies for supporting students in developing resilience
• Optimizing working memory for learning
• What Gen Ed Teachers NEED to know about SpEd
• Integrating Technology into the Classroom
• Level 1 & 2 Google Certification for Teachers
• Google Apps for Education
• Google Classroom
• Google Forms
• Hyperdocs How To
• Peardeck for formative assessment
• GoGuardian for Teachers
• "Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain" Book Study
• "What Happened to You" Book Study
• "Street Data" Book Study
• "Engagement by Design" Book Study
• Let's Blog: Strategies to engage and support English Language Learners and Students with Special Needs
• Course Design & Instruction: Integrating Technology into the Classroom
• Designing a Productive 21st Century Learning Environment
•Developmental Progressions of Learners with Special Needs
• Characteristics of Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities
Specialized Skills & Experience
• Adobe Creative Educator, Level 1 & 2
• Google Certified Educator, Level 1 & 2
• Educational Technology Integration
• Instructional Design
• Pedagogy & Andragogy
• Professional Development/Training
• Behavioral Threat Assessment & School Safety
• Legal/Compliance Mandates
• Instructional Coaching & Mentorship
• Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
• Educational Leadership
• Universal Design & Accessibility
• Curriculum Alignment & Development
• Online/Distance Learning
• Special Education & Disabilities
• MTSS, 504s and Interventions
• Positive Behavior Intervention & Support
• Individualized Education Plans
• Professional Learning Communities
• Multi-Language Learners
