My journey as an educator began in 1990 while working at the Publix Child Development Center as I pursued my teaching degree. It was there that I discovered a deep appreciation for the curiosity, creativity, and wonder that define early childhood.
Watching young children make sense of the world through their natural curiosity and inquisitive spirit transformed the way I understood teaching and learning. That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to understanding how educators can create meaningful learning experiences that honor children's development while fostering exploration, inquiry, and discovery.
Over the next two decades, I taught children in kindergarten through third grade in public schools, where I developed a deep respect for the complexity of teaching and the importance of understanding each child's unique strengths, needs, and potential. Those experiences continue to influence my work and remind me that effective educator preparation must always remain grounded in the realities of classroom practice.
In 2018, my professional focus shifted from teaching children to preparing the educators who will shape the lives of future generations. While my classroom changed, my purpose did not. Today, I work with teacher candidates to bridge research and practice through authentic field experiences, reflective inquiry, and meaningful partnerships that prepare educators to support the whole child and build responsive learning communities.
