About Me

I am proud to call myself a "Jersey Girl" as I spent the first 30 years of my life living and teaching in NJ.  I grew up in West Milford, NJ and attended West Milford High School.  I was active in student government and sports (field hockey and softball).  After high school, I attended The College of New Jersey and studied Elementary Education and had a concentration in English.  I also played softball and earned a Division III National Championship in 1994.  I was not a starter for the team, but I was forever inspired by my coach, Dr. June Walker.  

My first teaching assignment was in Bridgewater, New Jersey as a Basic Skills Instructor.  I held this position for a short time before being reassigned to fill a second grade maternity leave position at Adamsville School.  The following year I moved to Hillside Intermediate School and spent several years teaching 4th and 5th grades.  I was a looping teacher for 2 cycles and was also a gifted and talented teacher for 5th grade.  During this time, I also attended the University of Connecticut to pursue a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology under Dr. Renzulli and Dr. Reis.  I was inspired by the Renzulli model called The Schoolwide Enrichment Model which advocates that all students have special strengths and talents and it is our mission to find out what those strengths are and work from there.  Joe Renzulli talks about the Three E's of successful academic achievement which refers to creating environments rich in enthusiasm, enjoyment, and engagement.  

In 2004, I moved to CT, for the first time, to pursue my Sixth Year Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, while also taking a position as a school improvement facilitator for Accelerated Schools. In 2005, I was assigned Southeast School as my internship to study under my mentor, Norma Fisher-Doiron.  I had the pleasure of getting to know many of the fine staff members that are still at the school and had my first taste of the wonderful Mansfield community.  The appointment at Southeast was a temporary stay for me.  But I stayed at the University for several years and acted as a "change coach" for schools throughout the Mid West and North East.  I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity. This position eventually led me to work solely in CT for CommPACT Schools.  I had a unique opportunity to get to know the leading school improvement models through UConn with Accelerated Schools and Atlas Learning Communities.  It was a dynamic time for school reform and looking at whole systems of school change.

Then, I started a family and relocated to be closer to my immediate family!  I moved to Easton, PA with my two children, Angelique and Matt, and my husband, Robert.  I also brought along my iguana, Dingy, who is now 13 years old and four feet long.  We enjoyed living there for several years before returning to CT for the second time.  This time, I return as the principal of Southeast.  I am honored to hold this position and see it as an opportunity to serve the children and community of Mansfield.  

Other, possibly interesting, information:
I am a baseball fan, more specifically, a Yankees fan.  I enjoy playing piano, going for hikes, being outside, and traveling to see new places and new cultures.  

My parents are still married, celebrating 48 years now, and live near Long Beach Island, NJ. I have an older sister who lives in Dallas, TX and she has 3 children.  I have an older brother who lives near Richmond, VA and he has 2 children.  I have a second older brother who lives in Bridgewater, NJ and he has 2 children, as well.   Finally, I inherited a beautiful extended family with my husband's family.