I believe in creating a kinder more sustainable world for all learners, young and grown ups alike.
I do this through my work with Curious and Kind Education, training educators, and supporting families in raising responsible independent children. I trust learners to learn by providing rich experiences in which they thrive.
For children, I am a proponent of play fostering social emotional learning and growing curiosity “muscles” which benefit us throughout life. These attributes contribute to understanding self, others, and the world we share.
For grown ups, I am a proponent of continuing to share culturally responsive practices in teaching and parenting so that we can empower all young people to be their best selves.
I’ve worked with children, teachers and parents in the USA, Egypt, Brazil and Qatar in public, private and outdoor science schools, in parks doing nature-based play, on a farm running camps, and community garden settings. I also taught courses online at Moreland University in the teacher certification program for many years.
I study various aspects of education and learn from and with leaders including:
- Self Directed Learning: Peter Gray and John Holt's work.
- Early Childhood: Fairy Dust Teaching and Tinkergarten
- Integrated and place-based education: Forest Teacher Training, Antioch University and David Sobel
- Culturally Responsive practice: Love and Logic, Zaretta Hammond, the CASEL Framework, and Responsive Classroom
- Literacy: Lucy Calkins at Columbia University and Erin Kent Consulting
I live in Sarasota, FL and love to explore all the world has to offer! I love to go hiking often, swimming in every body of water possible without alligators, petting every dog that is within arms reach, trying out every slide and playing with as many children as each day presents. You may also find me scrubbing scum off the Mote Marine Laboratory's big shark tank! I am continuously enjoying joyful learning for myself and others, young and old. I am ultimately committed to learning that breathes life into us and empowers us to be the kind of people we want to be.