I lived in Louisville as a young child and developed a love and nostalgia for the area (especially The Highlands) at an early age. My family moved to Pittsford, New York and later settled in Tampa, FL right before I headed to college. I attended Auburn University where I got my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education with a double minor in French and Psychology. After college, I settled back in Louisville and taught in public schools while acquiring my Masters as a Reading Specialist from U of L.
Once I had my own children, I became even more intrigued with early childhood development and the many ways children learn and show their understanding of the world around them. I taught in my children’s developmental preschool where I fell in love with the open-ended structure of a child directed, play-based model.
I was so grateful to join the Highland Pres community in 2016. After my first tour of the school, I KNEW this was the place I wanted to be! All I had studied in college and observed during my own children’s early development (about the way children learn best) was happening HERE. The Reggio Emilia philosophy that Highland Pres. embraces puts children at the center of the learning process. Because the curriculum emerges based upon children’s ideas and interests, each child, family and teacher unite as a supporting and loving team with a strong, shared purpose. Children are seen as capable and active participants in their learning journey and I feel honored to be on that journey with them .
I have been at Highland Pres. for 8 of my 24 years of teaching young children.
My husband and I have two kids in college, and a sweet pup who keeps us company as “empty nesters.” We love to go to my son’s baseball games, watch old movies and travel together. I enjoy living like a tourist in my own town and checking out any new and interesting places and happenings. I also LOVE to cook and listen to music (most often at the same time.)