Hello students and families,

I wanted to share a little bit about myself and my teaching history.  Shortly after graduating from college, I fell into a teaching position at a nursing home that housed a pediatric unit that cared for children and young adults with intense medical, physical, communication, and learning needs.  I quickly fell in love with my job, the staff, and the students and their families.  I worked there for nine years.  During that time, I went back to school and earned my teaching degree and certification to work with students with intense special needs.  After leaving the nursing home, I worked as a substitute teacher before accepting a position with Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start, working as a special education teacher in a variety of their sites.  After three-and-a-half years at Head Start, I saw a posting for a part-time special education teacher at Plains Elementary; I applied and was offered the position.  There began my career in South Hadley.  During my time at Plains school, I earned my teacher certification in moderate special needs Pre-k through 8th grade, as well as my Master's degree.  After nine years at Plains, I was transferred to Mosier.  I taught at Mosier for five years before being given the opportunity and fortune to return to Plains for the 2018-2019 school year.  I am so happy to be back at Plains and working with kindergarten and first grade students.  They are full of excitement and curiosity, and there is never a dull moment!