1. Where are you from?
I am originally from Felton, a small town located in the Santa Cruz
Mountains.
2. How long have you been with ADPP?
I have been with ADPP since July of this year.
3. What is your teaching background and
experience?
I received my credential through the Clinical Schools Program at San
Francisco State University. I then taught at Edison Middle & Elementary
Schools in East Palo Alto for several years. After my first child was born,
I owned and operated High Five Learning Solutions, a professional tutoring
program for two years.
4.
What do you like most about your job?
I love the kids here. We have a students here that truly support one
another. For example, we have a new student in eighth grade who is extremely
shy. One of our students took it upon herself to sit with this student every
day at lunch, just to make him feel welcome. Never have I had the fortunate
opportunity to be among people, let alone children, with the level of
compassion and caring that exist here at West Valley Middle.
5.
What do you think is special about your ADPP location?
The teachers and staff care about their students. I love all of the hands on
learning that is always taking place. It is amazing how our teachers can
make the learning come alive for any subject!
6.
What is your favorite part of the day at ADPP?
At lunch and afterschool because I get to have the most interaction with our
students and teachers.
7. What is the last book you read to yourself?
A Thousand Names for Joy by Byron Katie
8. What is the funniest thing a child has said/done in
your school?
At recess one morning, I encountered a group including a 6’2” eighth grade
boy screaming because a spider had lowered itself over one of the picnic
tables in our quad nearly landing on someone’s head. This very tall boy took
off his huge shoe and was attempting to throw it at the spider.
9. What do you do in your spare time?
I play with my two young daughters or play guitar.
10.
What achievement are you most proud of?
It’s really a toss-up between having received the Drama Award in the eighth
grade and getting to be Principal at West Valley.
11. What is the single best piece of advice you can give
parents of middle school students?
The best piece of advice I could give to parents of middle school students
is to remember that their children are in a great transition to high school.
Parenthood has now taken a new and exciting turn. Your children are now
significantly more independent but still crave your love and guidance – even
if they never admit to it! All of the drama, frustration, progressively
difficult homework, highs and lows are simply stepping stones to the
autonomous, productive adults they will inevitably become.
