I believe in overcoming challenges.

I believe in abundance and equity for all.

I believe in the power of education to change the trajectory of people's lives.

Agri/Horticultural
Educational Therapist

COMBINING SKILL SETS IN KINESTHETIC LEARNING, SPECIAL EDUCATION AND THE BEAUTIFUL OUTDOORS HAVE LED ME TO A SPECIAL PLACE WHERE RESILIENCE AND COMPASSION COLLIDE.

I am seasoned in identifying and providing targeted, multi-disciplinary interventions to K-12 students AND BEYOND.

Master of Science, Agriculture

California Polytechnic University, 2004 – 2006

Bachelor of Arts, Communication

University of the Pacific 1997-2001

Credential, Education Specialist

(Autism, Behavior, English Learner authorizations)

CSU Monterey Bay, 2017-2019

International NGO | K-12 Education Director | Haiti, Philippines, Sioux Nation, Mexico

Project HOPE Art 2010 – Present

My Story

I worked in disaster zones around the world for a decade. After adopting my son from Haiti, I returned to California and embarked on a special education career. I apply my knowledge of individual academic skill-building needs with a deep understanding of cultures, family and hands-on learning opportunities.

In 2021, I developed outdoor learning programs with Save Our Shores, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Natural History Museum and the California State Parks - Santa Cruz County. My students have been featured in news articles about their incredibly rewarding climate resilience work.

Certified as a Horticultural Education Therapist, I provide kinesthetic Academic Practices for student scholars K-12. I use maker space kits; game play; small group interventions and outdoor settings to guide and develop students to their full potential.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education recognized me as a Teacher Leader in Sustainability for the 2022/23 school year.