Hello Gregory Eagles!

I am excited to introduce myself as Gregory Elementary School’s new Reading Specialist. I am a mom to two elementary-aged boys and see first-hand how critical it is to foster a love of learning in childhood. 

I have always had a passion for reading and writing. I do not remember a time when I wasn't lost in a book or writing in my journal. I earned a BA in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh, and began my teaching career as a high school English teacher. Yes, high school English teacher! As many of my students were struggling readers, I decided to go back to school to learn how to better teach them. I earned a MA in Reading, with a Reading Specialist certification, from New Jersey City University. Upon completion of the program, I continued to work at the high school as an ELA teacher, before eventually moving into the role of Reading Specialist at the elementary level. While I thoroughly enjoyed working with older students, I came to realize that there was nothing quite like helping young children learn how to read. 

When I’m not teaching, you will find me in Maplewood on a basketball court or baseball field watching my boys play, usually with a book in my hand. ;-)