Credentials:

B.A, Environmental Science
M.A., Urban Education
University of California, Santa Barbara
Loyola Marymount University
Teacher since 2012

How many years have you worked at Oak Grove?

Since 2014.

Why do you work at Oak Grove?

I work at Oak Grove to be a part of a community of teachers, staff, and parents who strive to create space for a more holistic education for students. I feel the values of the school align with my own, and I find meaning and enjoyment in coming to work each day. Oak Grove is a school where I can not only teach scientific skills and reasoning and instill a passion for the subject matter, but also go camping, coach cross-country, cook vegetarian meals for our dorm students, travel to India, go by my first name, walk with students outside, sit in silence, laugh with my co-workers, wear Patagonia to work, and truly be myself.

Where is your special spot on campus?

The sunshine.

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee.

What makes an Oak Grove education unique?

The relationships. As a High School teacher, you are working with the same student over their entire four years. That is something incredibly unique.

What outdoor experience has been most impactful for you?

My first back-packing trip with Oak Grove, I ate more mac-and-cheese than I thought humanly possible because I didn’t know burying it was an option! The Lost Coast was a trip that was special for me because it was at a challenging time in my life and combined forests, fresh water, and the beach – so incredibly beautiful. India was a very special trip because I went with the senior class that was my first freshman class. Most importantly though, all trips, walks, and hikes are meaningful because I get to share in an experience with my students in another way besides being their science teacher — through times of challenge and so much fun!

Which teacher in your life affected you greatly? How?

All of my teachers, both positive and negative, affected me. They all inspired me to be the best teacher I could be — either as good as they were or better than they were.

Name something that nobody knows about you.

I’m actually not a student. I promise.

Name a place you’ve always wanted to visit, but haven’t yet.

Italy.

Share a hilarious OGS experience.

At our annual El Capitán fall camping trip, the teachers pulled a prank on the seniors (instead of the usual opposite). The senior girls asked to sleep in the school van on the last night. We asked a tow truck to hook up to the van and tow it around the campsite in the middle of the night without them knowing it. It was hilarious (for the teachers at least)!