I am a teacher by training and inclination. In public school I taught high school history and economics as well as eighth grade humanities (Social Studies and English language Arts). In the Higher Ed context, I’ve worked with pre-service teachers, worked on service-learning with seminary interns, and taught courses with theology students and guidance counselors. In the Church context, I’ve lead congregational retreats, presented workshops, and lectured all over the US. I have taught theatre, dance, and music. I work with adults and children of all ages and believe that all people are innately curious beings that learn better together.

In addition to teaching, I am also a researcher of education. My thesis for my Masters in Teaching investigated the role of narrative in the classroom. Storytelling plays a significant part of my stance as a teacher. I am particularly interested in the use of narrative to assist students in developing mastery and increased means to comprehend abstract ideas. As an eighth grade Humanities teacher, I was the co-designer of an integrated thematic curriculum that combined English Language Arts standards with those from World History. The resulting course addressed topics in literature and social studies in a cyclical, constructivist way, returning to cultures and concepts repeatedly so as continue to build on background knowledge and assist in making connections.

My doctoral research was about about how public schooling influences the imagination of students and the effect that may have in terms of the ways they think about well-being, success, and community. I believe that creativity and the imagination are both vital components of more life-giving work in both education and religion.

If you are interested in having me come to speak, teach, or facilitate a workshop with your organization, please get in touch.