Where did you get your degree(s)?

Buffalo State University

• Bachelor of Science in Education
• Master of Science in Education

Canisius College

• Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership and Supervision

Where have you taught?

• Enterprise Charter School in Buffalo for 7 years
• Amherst Central Schools for 3 years
• Elementary principal in the Holland Central School District -  NY (5 years)
• Elementary principal in the Williamsville Central School District - NY(5 years)

I spent 10 years as a teacher and 11 years in administration, including a decade as a principal.

When did you first know you wanted to be an educator?
 
I felt that I wanted to be an educator when I was in high school. I was very involved in my school and enjoyed it. However, I didn’t feel like I knew enough about myself or the world to go right into education. When I was 22 years old I changed my major to elementary and special education and it was the best decision I could have made!

What inspired you to become a principal?

I believe that all educators should operate with the best interests of children at the forefront of all decisions that they make. I have always loved teaching and was at home in the classroom.  From early on in my teaching career, I was involved in leadership. I was a mentor teacher, team leader, and I facilitated many committees. 

Over time, I felt I had more to give to my fellow educators and the school community. As a principal, I have the ability to affect change in ways that I did not have as a classroom teacher. My life calling is to help children to be successful and being a principal allows me to impact the learning and lives of children in a different way.

I have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to lead a school and help all members of a school community feel safe, respected, and sure of their ability to grow.

What is your own vision/mission for the school under your leadership?

We have one of the greatest jobs in the world: we get to work with kids every day. We need to find joy in our work and support each other along the way because great schools are like a family.

All children can and want to succeed; it’s on us to work with families and help make it happen. I believe in open and honest communication, building relationships, and making student-centered decisions. Every decision I make is guided by the benefit of the students as the primary concern.

I believe in doing what is right and good for kids. I am not concerned with being right. I don’t have all the answers, and I’m not afraid to admit it.

 What most impresses you about your students and Glynn County Schools?

I have had the opportunity to visit Golden Isles Elementary a few times in recent weeks. The children are wonderful! They are welcoming and excited to see me when I am there. They are eager to talk and ask questions. I am really looking forward to being there full time next year!

In my first year here in Glynn County, I have been very impressed by the dedication of the people I have met and how much they care about helping kids.

What are your expectations for not only your staff and students but yourself as well?

What you can expect from me: 

My foundation is rooted in open and honest communication, building relationships, and student centered decision making. As an administrator, you can count on me to maintain a consistent presence out in school buildings and in classrooms. I also have an open door policy for all staff, students, and families. It is my goal to lead and support each member of the school community and to help everyone strive for continuous growth.

I believe in constantly working to grow and improve. I will work tirelessly to make sure that all members of the school community are successful. 

What I expect from faculty and staff:

I have high expectations for all faculty and staff. We have an important and noble responsibility as educators. We are responsible for helping to shape the minds of our young people and to prepare them for the next steps in their lives.

I expect that faculty and staff will:
Always make decisions based on what is good for children
Always strive for growth and improvement
Be professionals
Be lifelong learners
Be invested and engaged in the school community
Work hard
Enjoy being part of a school community

What I expect from parents:

Parents must be active participants in the education and lives of their children. I want parents to advocate for their children, ask questions about what they are doing in school, and communicate with myself and our teachers. School is a place for children and their families. Parents should take pride in and be part of their child’s school.

What I expect from students:

I want students to love coming to school. School should be a place where they feel welcome and safe. They should be active in their school community and take pride in it. I expect that students work hard day in and day out. School is the time when students can find out who they are. I want students to diversify their interests, get involved in extra-curricular activities, clubs, and sports. The school experience is what they make it.  

I want our school to teach children to challenge themselves and others to learn and grow. Our students need to be problem solvers, innovators, and deep thinkers. They must be responsible and respectful people, but never back down from a challenge or settle for anything less than their best.  

I am excited to join the Ohana at Golden Isles Elementary. I cannot wait to get to know everyone!

What does student success look like for you?

When students are successful, they enjoy coming to school. They can talk about what they are learning and are eager to do so. Successful students are confident, they aren’t afraid to work hard or make mistakes. They feel like they belong and they matter in their school.

Outside of school, where might students, parents or staff members run into you?

I have enjoyed exploring the area since I moved here in July. I enjoy being by the ocean so, a lot of my time is spent on Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island. I also like to go out to dinner with my family and we like to try new places all over the county.