Our Staff

My favorite subject growing up was always math. I excelled in this subject, and find it interesting to explore different mathematical topics. Once I went to college, I had a goal set to get a Bachelor’s in Business/Accounting. Once I began to take some classes for that major, I realized sitting at a desk all day looking and working with numbers wasn’t the path I wanted to follow. So I took a few education courses and decided I was meant to be a teacher. I have always enjoyed working with children and teaching them how essential math is in life and watching them explore as they become better learners. I have danced for 25 years of my life. I still dance and teach dance in my free time. It has long been a love of mine and a way for me to use this art form to express myself.

I am an English teacher from England! I arrived in Buffalo in September 2016 to work at the Academy of Scholars. Like most educators, I have a love of learning that began when I was at school. Throughout my education in the UK, I was guided and supported by teachers with real passion for their subjects and with their help, I thrived in a learning environment. Moreover, the study of seminal authors – such as Shakespeare – was supplemented by field trips to the Globe Theater in London and Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon (just 45 minutes from the school), which prompted a passion for theater as well as literature. At University, I pursued my interest in the relationship between literature and performance, studying English Literature and Theater Studies at the University of Leeds, UK.  

After University, I worked in a professional Theater in Leicester, UK, and quickly realized that I loved the interpersonal and staff training elements of the job, and so teacher training beckoned. Teaching English Language, English Literature and Media Studies to students aged 11-19 in UK schools means that I am used to learning something new each day! Teaching Language Arts at the Academy of Scholars is a real thrill for me, not only because of the unique, progressive ethos of the school, but because it is my first time teaching in the US. For me, relocating to the US means another opportunity to learn and to further my cultural experiences; I am eager to share my knowledge and enthusiasm to develop young people’s understanding in ELA here at the Academy.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy running, cycling, baking and learning the rules of American Football and Ice Hockey.

Like most teachers, I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a young. Throughout my time as a student, I realized the immense value of an education and the impact teachers can have on students. Teachers have the ability to help students realize their fullest potential, and I knew that I wanted to help students during that journey. As I studied in college to become a teacher, my passion for teaching grew. Now, working in the field of education has been further affirmation to me that I made the right choice for my profession, and I appreciate the opportunities I have every day. I became an English teacher in particular because it has always been my true passion in school. I was also fond of math growing up and contemplated becoming a math teacher, but in the end I followed my passion. A school like The Academy was not something I thought to be possible as I studied to become a teacher. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies, I often thought that one-on-one instruction is what so many students need but rarely receive. Working at The Academy has provided me with the opportunity to focus on the specific needs of each individual student. By doing this, the students are challenged at the appropriate level for their abilities, and I believe they are getting the most out of their education. It’s what every teacher hopes for all of their students and through this school I get to see it realized. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, whether it be to read a book or go for a hike. I am an avid sports fan and watch Sabres and Bills games whenever I can. I’m also a Bandits season ticket holder.

Growing up in West Virginia, my family always had a deep love and appreciation for learning. I spent a lot of time traveling and at each place we visited, my mother would ensure we understood and appreciated various aspects of them. As a result, my mother helped me to develop an innate curiosity about our past and how past events, people and places have present and future implications.

Once I began my undergraduate studies, I put that passion towards a career in law. Towards the end of my undergraduate years, the law did not seem to be the correct path for me. Instead, I discovered I enjoyed examining the evolution of our legal system more than I enjoyed the practice of law. I then found an education program and discovered a place where my passion for learning and history could converge.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to guide students in their learning process and determine where their own passions lie as well as to develop an understanding of the intricate weaving of  the social studies curriculum.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy traveling, hiking, reading and practicing yoga.

I discovered my passion for science and teaching when I was a high school student.  Since that time, I have regularly participated in opportunities for professional development in my field.  I enjoy finding ways to improve my teaching techniques to create an environment for students that is more conducive to learning.

I particularly enjoy teaching physics because it helps students develop a strong link between hands-on experiments and mathematical representations.  I often volunteer to help with science education events.

Outside of school, I sketch, research, or hike with my husband and two dogs.

I have always loved learning about how different languages were structured, and how to properly say different phrases in other languages. In high school, I was eager for a new challenge, and Japanese seemed the perfect fit—a new alphabet (or three!), and a new culture. When I entered the University of Rochester, I was fortunate enough to travel to Japan to study abroad. Being immersed in the culture brought me a whole new perspective on life, as well as improving my speaking abilities. After having the experience of living in Japanese culture, I now have a bit of an innate sense of cultural phrases that are difficult to map onto English. I am thrilled to bring that mindset to the classroom at The Academy, where I hope to inspire my students through my own passion. As for American Sign Language, it has always fascinated me that deaf people could communicate in silence. Because Rochester has the largest population of deaf people in the country, I was able to learn natural ASL from skilled deaf professors. Again, the immersion in the language played a key role in my understanding of both the language and deaf culture. For this reason, my ASL classes at The Academy are taught entirely in silence. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and creative writing. Music is also a big part of my life—I have played the flute and piccolo since age 9. Music is a language in itself, and so I enjoy finding creative ways of expression. Working closely with the students at The Academy, I hope to inspire students to find their voice—in whatever language they can—and express themselves in a satisfying way.