Specialists and Support Staff

I'm originally from Pittsburgh, PA, but I have also lived in other states, including a stint in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Throughout my teaching career, I have worked at the elementary, middle and high school levels. In my leisure, I enjoy reading, golfing, sewing, and planning special events.

This is my 33rd year as a teacher!! My grown daughters attended APS schools – McKinley, Swanson and W-L. I am a National Board Certified Teacher in Literacy. I am a proud UVA alum. My husband and I live in Arlington and enjoy our backyard fish pond.

I am from Western Pennsylvania, so I am a huge Steelers and Penguins fan. I am the oldest of 5 (my youngest brother just turned 23). I've been in education for 16 years, 10 of them teaching middle school Math/Reading. I enjoy running, playing basketball, and watching Notre Dame football, when my 8 and 4 year old don't have soccer games.

I am the School Safety Coordinator at DHMS and I'm here to serve the goal of overall safety, security, and welfare for the students, staff, and all inhabitants of the building, including visitors.

I am originally from Massachusetts. I also spent time growing up in Florida and North Carolina. I studied Psychology, Math, and Education, receiving both my Bachelors and Masters from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Tar Heels!). I am excited to be a Phoenix and support the DHMS math department. I love making connections and building positive relationships with students. I love making learning fun, hands on, and differentiated to meet and challenge all students. I have been teaching in the northern Virginia area since 2018, with experiences in both middle and elementary schools. Prior to moving to Virginia, I spent time teaching in Beijing, China; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Hamburg, Germany. In my free time, I like to play soccer and volleyball, travel, paint, and read mysteries.

I am the School Testing Coordinator for DHMS and work with staff and students to implement and interpret the results of federal, state, and district mandated testing. I strive to cultivate a positive and purposeful assessment experience for all DHMS students while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines. 

I've been a librarian in Arlington Public Schools since 2011. I have an undergraduate degree from Cornell and a masters from the University of Maryland. Before working for APS, I was a librarian at the Arlington Public Library. I have a wonderful family, including my husband and two daughters: one in high school and the other in college at JMU (Go Dukes!). I am originally from Connecticut but have lived in the DC area since 1995. I love reading, of course, but I also love hiking, being in nature, photography, kayaking, and spending time with my family.

My philosophy is all students can learn. I have a passion for the youth; to educate, mentor, and learn from them. Preteens are wildly creative and open-minded; it's a joy to work alongside them. Aside from teaching, I love yoga, cooking, listening to music and traveling. I returned from teaching abroad in 2020. It was a wonderful experience and I am thankful for it.