I am originally from Ashland, KY and moved to Louisville in November of 2000, when my husband took a job here. I had just graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Anthropology and worked for the Program for Archaeological Research at UK as an archaeological field and lab technician. I worked on various historic and prehistoric sites in Kentucky, Indiana, and Virginia, before becoming a SAHM mom when my daughter was born. That was when I shifted my focus from studying ancient people to studying tiny, brand-new people. I’m now in my thirteenth-year of teaching.
I was a Highland Pres parent before I was a teacher. I started subbing when my youngest was a 4 Day 4 and couldn’t bear to leave, so in 2012 I came on as a Twos teacher. Looking at it from an anthropological perspective, Twos are fascinating little creatures to observe and my favorite age to teach. Their language explodes, pretend play blossoms, and they start collaborative play. Friendships develop and grow. And I get to foster it all by providing materials, opportunities, a safe space and lots of love.
I love teaching at Highland Pres for the same reasons I loved it as a parent. Children are taken seriously at Highland Pres, and are given the opportunity to learn the way they do best, through play. Their interests are observed and built upon. They are encouraged to find their own answers to questions, encouraging curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking skills. Highland Pres kids learn to think outside the box (or inside the box, or by painting the box, or by taking the box apart, or by turning the box into a boat, so many possibilities).
My husband and I have two adult children and two cats. We are adjusting to life as empty nesters and learning how to cook for just two people again. I enjoy reading, traveling and volunteering with Louisville Turners Circus.