Greetings!

I am excited to be returning to Highland Park Elementary this year. I look forward to getting to know each student and how to best work with one another. 5th grade is an important year for students to develop their independence, self-organization, and research skills. We will work on building these skills throughout the year in order to prepare students for the I.B. Exhibition, and to take with them as they prepare for middle school and beyond. In my classroom we will also focus on building a community of learners that care for and support each other. 

I got my undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Concordia College - Moorhead. I then worked in schools through various Americorps programs. Finally, I came into teaching through the Minneapolis Residency Program. This program was in collaboration with the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis Public Schools. One focus of the program was working with students from a wide variety of backgrounds. I enjoy working with and learning from the diverse population here at HPE.

In my free time I enjoy being active and enjoying nature. Some favorite activities include: running, biking, swimming, hiking, and kayaking. I'm also starting to get more into cooking and sharing good eats with others. 

Let's make it a great year!