As a NYS resident for over 20+ years, I've raised two kids in our school system, taught college level courses, tutored, coached and counseled adults and youth, spoken at events as a motivational speaker, and participated in volunteer and charitable events around the state. Education is a lifelong passion because I know that a solid education is a powerful gift that can change lives and help people achieve their dreams. From the comfort of my home, I could travel across worlds and visit the towns and streets inhabited by characters in the books I read. That love of reading led me to tutor/teach kids and adults to read and write and learn new ways of seeing the world. It was the same love of learning that led me to graduate school in education. I've tutored little kids and lectured in adult classrooms with over 100 students and what brings me back to the field, again and again, is my love for helping others find their footing in a subject and in the classroom. When a student learns a new word, writes a correct sentence or reads a paragraph that seemed impossible before, I know that I'm contributing to their dream of academic success. That is my inspiration. My interests in learning and teaching can also be attributed to the fact that I grew up on three continents and view myself as an internationalist. I've been exposed to people and places that remain culturally rich and varied, and I love connecting with people from other parts of the globe. Travel and participating in cultural exchanges have played an equally important part in shaping my learning experiences. As a training specialist, I love exchanging ideas and hearing fresh perspectives on myriad topics that influence our lives. I believe that learning takes place everywhere, and we can use the vast resources that daily life offers as a teaching/learning tool. I believe that learning is an exchange of ideas and knowledge, and that both teacher and student must be fully engaged in the process for it to be effective. An effective educator listens and learns with the student, and encourages dialogue and inquiry. I love to give positive reinforcement and receive feedback, and every student who crosses my path knows that my goal is to support their learning efforts and to help them succeed.

I wear several hats: I’m a Mother of two, an educator and small biz owner, an amateur photographer, NY/SF based lifestyle/peace advocate, motivational speaker, and social media enthusiast. I love a good laugh, encouraging people, good food and an occasional jaunt to somewhere around the world.