About Me
From a very young age, I knew a career in technology was the thing for me.  Grown-ups are always telling you to follow your passion, right?  Well by the age of 14, I knew my passion was technology!  If I wasn’t fully immersed in classic video games like Pacman and Galaga, I was instructing adults in the “new and mysterious” world of word processing.  It was awesome when I was given the opportunity to make a living doing what I love! I knew I had found my niche.

PJH hired me as a science teacher in 1994. Even though science was my focus, I knew that I could use technology to enhance student engagement and achievement; hence, for the next several years, I integrated technology into my science curriculum.  Students were motivated when their assignments included additional skills in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation programs and internet-based applications.

My efforts to combine authentic instruction and technology did not go unnoticed. The district had long- wanted technology to be utilized in this way across the four schools, so the position of district-wide Technology Facilitator was born! My new position required the training and support of both students and teachers in the endless educational possibilities of technology in classroom instruction. Because so many people so readily accepted this idea, juggling this role at all four schools quickly became overwhelming. It became apparent to everyone that the junior high was in need of its own devoted technology class instructor.

In 2006, I became the technology teacher at PJH. The students responded very well to the new technology-rich class.  Through my lessons, students used technology to analyze, learn, and explore.  I taught Info Tech I, II and Advanced Info Tech for six years with each new year bringing new and exciting technological changes and advancements.

Because of its commitment to the mastery of technology as a 21st century skill, PJH moved to a 1:2 computing program in the 2012 school year. As a result of this ratio-increase, a new "Technology Coach" position became available. Because of my addiction to change and my role as a life-long learner, I sought out this new adventure. My passion for education and technology continues!

So here I am...”May the force be with you!”

Education
B.S. Education, Northern Illinois University
M.A. Science Education, Governors State University
M.A. Educational Technology, Concordia University

Endorsements
Science Education
Technology Specialist

Interests
Graphic Design, Coding, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, 3D Printing, Troubleshooting, Building, Creating, Learning, Teaching