Tell Us About You:

I taught High School English Literature in Santa Cruz City Schools for over 15 years. This will be my third year as the CS Coach for the district. I have spoken at the Google Summits, Spring CUE, CSTA, the Santa Cruz COE, BCS STEAM, CA STEAM, KCI Merit, RESPECT, and many more leading teachers from all over the nation and internationally through PD to integrate technology and computer science into the classroom. I have worked in an RPP with ETR to develop multiple papers as a co-author and presented at conferences about the work that has been achieved in SCCS, including being a guest speaker for the NNERPP conference. I was part of the MERIT19 and CIO19 programs. I now work to help teachers K- 12 to integrate computer science and technology into their pre-existing lessons. I love technology and know that using it with purpose in the classroom makes a huge impact on student success and creates equity among students. In my spare time, I love to go on adventures with my family as we travel and explore the world.

What has KCI meant to your career journey and why do you want to help spread the word about programs, resources, and workshops?

KCI has been an integral part of my journey to where I am today. I began my journey in 2014, the first week of summer break, as an interested educator. Kat was great throughout the week, and I began to learn how I would implement this new learning the following school year. Technology integration is very important to allow students more voice and choice in my class. When I applied in 2017 to Merit, I was just learning how to use the 30 Chromebooks I received from Donors Choose. I had gone to Google Summits and realized I needed more training to leverage technology integration. Unfortunately, I did not get into the program that year. It was in 2019 when I was integrating so much technology I was the only 1:1 teacher in my entire district. I chose to move my career forward and move into a curriculum coach where I could pass this knowledge on to other educators. I made the leap out of the classroom after 15 years to pursue this dream. It was Merit19 that gave me the skills and connections in which I worked with many teachers to put technology integration in their classes for the first time. Three of the teachers I mentored became part of the Merit20 class. I now work full-time with educators in Santa Cruz City Schools to be thoughtful in integrating computer science and technology. Yet, this was not the end of my journey. I also was elected into CIO19 and learned more about the boxes and wires, as well as the tech, to have a full grasp of what an innovator really was. It is through the many times I have now come back to speak for Merit classes that I want to continue to spread the word about all KCI has to offer. I want all educators to allow more voice and choice in their classes through the power of technology.

What is one quirky thing about you that you’re willing to share with people that people might not know about you

I can crack my earlobes to make a popping sound.