"I have been teaching biology and ecology to students fourth grade to adult since 2012. As a field biologist for the Ohio State University 2012-2015 and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission 2017-2018, I not only have the degrees, but also the field experiences to supplement my lessons. While living in Ohio, I obtained my substitute teaching certification for grades 7-12 in Life Sciences.

During my time teaching, I realized how each student learns differently. I have found a lot of people actually enjoy and learn better with hands-on experiences. "Don't tell me...show me". I really like to incorporate tools that the students can hold and look at. For example, its not uncommon for me to carry an otolith, or lucky stone, in my pocket. An otolith (a single inner ear bone from a fish) can tell you so much information. Each is shaped differently per fish species. By counting and analyzing the growth rings, one can tell how old the fish was, as well as periods of stress (spawning), and through spectrometer readings, one can tell where that fish spent certain periods of its life based on chemical deposits in the bone! That is a lot of info from one single bone...and that is the type of knowledge I like to learn and teach. I have a passion for the biological world around us!

Basic math is a necessity in life. It is the solid foundation needed to build upon for higher math. By making it understandable, using props rather than simply pencil and paper, students seem to comprehend the basics easier. It's amazing to see it finally "click".

I have been told that I have a knack for taking complicated scientific ideas and making them understandable in simple language. I also like to show real examples, rather than telling a student about science.

I want my students to succeed and excel in the topics I teach. I welcome feedback and specialized lessons requested from students and parents. Feel free to contact me with questions or concerns." less...