What do you find most rewarding about teaching and working with students?

I enjoy seeing students make meaningful progress in their work — the moments when they have an ‘aha’ moment about how to solve a problem or why something works as it does in the natural world. Those are great moments!

Are there any memorable or impactful moments in your teaching career that stand out to you?

There are many, but I think the stream study has been the most memorable experience for me over time. Seeing the kids enjoying being in the water—especially those who were not feeling confident about it—and giving them the time for the joy of discovery, is something I'll never forget. I have many, many happy memories of teaching down at Gwynns Falls.

Beyond the classroom, what are some of your interests or hobbies that you’re passionate about?

I am passionate about writing and performing comedy. I perform improv with Highwire Improv and the Baltimore Improv Group (BIG). I am on a weekend team at BIG, and I regularly perform on the main stage. I write for and perform in a comedy sketch show named The Greatest Sketch Show in America. I also co-wrote a rock opera for the Baltimore Rock Opera Society called Love and Road, which was produced in 2022..

What do you hope students will take away from your classes or your mentorship?

I hope they gain an understanding of how we, as a society, can build better and more sustainable buildings and infrastructure so we can live in balance with the natural world.  I hope I can help them to develop a growth mindset and to be more confident as scientists and members of a team. I also hope they understand Earth’s systems better. The topics we cover in seventh grade — the water cycle, carbon cycle, and plate tectonics — are all interconnected and highly relevant to everyday life!

Do you have a favorite place on campus? What makes it your favorite?

Yes! Gwynns Falls stream. It is a privilege to have been able to use this resource as an outdoor classroom all of these years. I also love the Greenebaum Building. I got to be on the teacher advisory committee that helped design it, and I love how it turned out.