Where did you get your degree(s)?
I earned my bachelors and masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Armstrong Atlantic State University and educational specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University.
Where have you taught?
All my teaching has been in Glynn County: Burroughs-Molette Elementary, Sterling Elementary, Oglethorpe Point Elementary, and Goodyear Elementary. I was a special education paraprofessional for 4 years and then a classroom teacher for 9 years.
When did you first know you wanted to be an educator?
When did you first know you wanted to be an educator?
I had an amazing third grade teacher, Mr. Scambalone, back in Orange County, California. With him I grew as a reader and mathematician. His classroom was centered around high intelligence, charisma and old fashion magic shows. He built a community in the classroom around performance and magic. At the end of each week he conducted a new magic trick and would teach students the independence and craft of performing tricks and sharing projects. After that, Mr. Johnson (fourth grade), and Mr. Vandemeer (eighth grade) solidified my desire to teach. Each one of them showed genuine care and interest to empower youth, and add real people to a community.
What inspired you to become a principal?
My uncle Ron, a former principal and superintendent with Denver Public Schools has been an inspiration to me! He’s carried a torch that my grandfather began, over a half a century ago, in education. He has shown me that mentoring, coaching and leading a school building is a large responsibility but very rewarding with the positive impact on individual students, families and staff.
In my time with Glynn County Schools, I have served under strong and innovative principals(Dr. Kelly Howe, Susan Arnold, Dr. Carter Akins, Dr. Anna Wiles and Dr. Oatanish Dawson) that lead with integrity, care and compassion towards their staff and parents. Working side by side with these leaders has prepared and inspired me to lead a school of my own.
What is your own vision/mission for the school under your leadership?
My vision/mission for Altama Elementary is to maximize the culture of collaboration and student celebration. The goal: guide kids to find their own voice amongst the Georgia Standards of Excellence. Building and maintaining relationships will promise growth in us all. Ultimately, researched based strategies and practice only meet reality when we know the stories of our students and their families.
What most impresses you about your students and Glynn County Schools?
I have experienced students with amazing resilience and drive. I have worked with students that have learned to set goals and then go after them. Many have reached high status in the academic and athletic settings. These students have graduated from Glynn County then looked back to see they accomplished many things and have set a path of promise for themselves with future work and further education. Adults have surrounded these kids to help them see a greater future story for themselves. I am so impressed with the collective efforts of teachers, administration and parents.
What are your expectations for not only your staff and students but yourself as well?
I expect for us to all invest in relationships, reach for schoolwide and personal goals and to recover and maintain self care for the great work we put forth. Mindfulness, trust and high expectations should be evident in our lessons, play and professional planning. Most of all joy and humor is essential as we bring our community together.
What does student success look like for you?
Student success is a child having awareness. It is spectacular when a student can discuss their own academic data and speak to the before and after effects in their work. The truest portrait of accomplishment is seeing students give service to others from what they have gained academically, emotionally and socially from our learning environment.
Outside of school, where might students, parents or staff members run into you?
You might run into me at the movies with my family. I love the magic of cinema. It’s awesome to take an emotional journey by way of images, music and storytelling. What is even better is taking that ride with the people you love. You might catch me out running while I listen to a podcast. Last, may also find me anywhere in town where they serve a veggie burger.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I believe all the fantastic students, staff and parents that I have experienced in the last 18 years in Glynn County have prepared me for this role. I am beyond grateful and excited to lead Altama Elementary.