Mentor Biography

2022 to Present

I came to Alaska for a visit in the Fall of 1979 and knew right away I was home. I fell in love with the outdoors and the abundance of opportunities to grow in mind and spirit. It took me awhile to discover what I wanted to be when I grew up, but once I entered the world of teaching I was hooked. I moved to Juneau and received my B.E. with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. I taught as a K/1 teacher for 28 years with the Anchorage School District. During my time teaching I enjoyed creating lessons that focussed on the whole child and got children wondering and creating. I value collaborating with other educators to develop lessons and connections with families and students. Through mentoring practicum and early career teachers I have become a better educator from what they taught me. I also learn from the children who participate in my summer art camp. I am continually amazed at what they uniquely create. As a life long learner I so appreciate being exposed to new ideas and perspectives while sharing my own experiences and point of view. I look forward to sharing my passion of teaching with early career teachers and fellow mentors. I am excited to grow as an educator and human by developing relationships through mindful communication ( listening and sharing ) and making connections. I am excited to travel around the state becoming aware and respective of the many cultures of this great state. When not in the world of education, I am outside hiking or skiing or inside dabbling in arts and crafts. I live with my husband Duke who keeps me entertained with music and his artistic creations. I love sharing life with my son and daughter who have taught me the wonders of parenting.