What inspired you to become a teacher?
As I navigated my early 20s it was impossible to deny the mutual attraction between myself and young children. Friends and family members would call me the “child whisperer.” At the time I was working in television production and found that it didn’t “light me up” the way children did. So I pivoted and went back to school to become a teacher!
Who inspires you the most?
Luke Hladek. We inspire each other and have always worked really well together. He’s creative, kind, and has the biggest heart. And obviously children. Every day is spent being inspired by how they interpret the world.
What adjectives would you use to describe your presence in the classroom?
Loving, warm, silly, calm.
How has becoming a teacher changed for you over the years?
Adopting the Reggio Emilia approach to early learning has greatly changed the classroom space, and philosophy of how we work with young children.
If you weren’t teaching, what career would you have chosen?
I’d still be working with children in some capacity. We are mutually drawn to each other!
Growing up, who was your most inspirational teacher and why?
Ms. Georgette Stock, the art teacher at Mount de Chantal. She’s just a fabulous person!
What impact or legacy do you hope to leave to your students?
Although many of them may not remember much of our time together, I hope they remember the feeling of love and joy from our time spent together.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement as a teacher so far?
Reaching the “unreachable” kids. (fine print- they are all reachable!)
What are some of the most important life skills you hope to instill in your students?
Flush and wash your hands! But seriously, I hope they leave Junior Kindergarten with an understanding that their ideas not only matter, but can make a movement. And that they are safe and loved always.