My interests are in how children learn to read, write, and speak and how teachers learn to effectively teach them. As a classroom teacher for eighteen years, I taught both urban and suburban students. I was a teacher of children with emotional, behavioral, and learning differences as well as a teacher of first and third grade. I began my teaching career in an alternative school for boys with social and emotional challenges whose needs were not met in the Boston Public Schools. I worked in special education for seven years. During that time, I learned an enormous amount about individual learning styles, growth mindset, and the importance of connecting with students through strong connections with them, their families, and communities. I taught first and third grade in the Wellesley Public Schools for eleven years and completed my graduate studies in language and literacy.

My association with Wellesley College began as a placement for student teachers. I became a member of the team that teaches the methods course for Elementary Education student teachers over fifteen years ago. I currently teach EDUC 310 Child Literacy and the Teaching of Reading as well as EDUC 325 Educating English Language Learners. I continue to participate frequently in professional institutes and workshops in the field of literacy. I am passionate about children’s literature and find great joy in helping students learn to teach literacy skills and strategies by anchoring them to quality and diverse children’s literature. I’m currently certified in Massachusetts to teach Elementary Education in grades 1-6, Moderate Special Needs from preschool to grade 9, and Reading in grades K-12. I’m a member of the International Literacy Association, the Massachusetts Reading Association, MATSOL - Massachusetts Teachers of English Learners, and Alpha Upsilon Alpha, the International Literacy Association's honor society.

I am a wife as well as a mother to an adolescent daughter. I enjoy seeing the world through her eyes. Books are an important part of our home life. I enjoy talking about books and finding out what others are reading. I also love to sing. I am a soprano who has performed on stage in many musicals at regional, stock, and community theaters. I currently sing in my synagogue's choir.