I have been teaching high school science for more than a decade. In my classroom, storytelling is a powerful tool for sparking student’s sense of wonder. I tell human stories about scientific discoveries, use imagery to help students envision the tiny molecular machines inside their own bodies, and craft narratives to connect students with Earth’s incredible biodiversity. Sometimes I even share stories about my own experiences, like the job I had in college taking care of painted turtle hatchlings or the time that I helped with banding a baby osprey.
When I’m not teaching or writing, I love embarking on outdoor adventures with my husband and our two young children. Our favorite activities include hiking, kayaking, and playing in the woods. I spent a summer in college working at a nature center, where I helped facilitate outdoor programs for young children. Now, that nature center is one of my favorite places to spend time with my own children.
Birds are my favorite animals, and I try to teach my children to identify bird calls when I can (they especially love the American Goldfinch, who says “Potato chip! Potato chip!”) I volunteer with the Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count.
A few of my other interests and hobbies include:
- Music – I play the piano and clarinet. I’ve been a member of my local community band for several years and enjoy playing in concerts year-round.
- Gardening – I grow native plants in my garden, and I’m also starting to dabble in growing fruits and vegetables.
- Biking and Triathlons – I love road biking, and I did my first triathlon in 2024. I can’t wait to do another one!