Over the past 20 years, I've been both a classroom educator and private tutor. I taught at the renowned Hamilton School in Providence, Rhode Island and was a founding educator at The Sally Borden School in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, two schools who are pioneers in working with students with language-based learning differences. Prior to founding Academic Ascent, I enjoyed ten years as a classroom teacher at Oakwood School in Annandale, Virginia, and came to deeply appreciate their small classroom format and innovative ways to individualize instruction. I am certified as an Academic Life Coach by Coach Training EDU and actively use these skills with many of our older students. In 2019, I started Academic Ascent to develop meaningful partnerships with students and their families, and illuminate the idea that with the right strategies and approach, school doesn't have to be such a struggle. Starting Academic Ascent is a dream realized!

I am so excited to bring my skills and teaching experience to Academic Ascent! I graduated from Penn State University in 2003 with a BA in Special Education, then went on to earn my Master’s Degree in Special Education/Learning Disabilities at American University. In my professional experience I taught at McLean School in Potomac, MD and Oakwood School in Annandale, VA, two schools specializing in educating students with learning differences. I have been extensively trained in Phonographix and Brainspring, both Orton-Gillingham based programs. My passion is seeing my students grow and show pride in their accomplishments! When I am not in the virtual classroom, I love playing with my happy and energetic two-year-old son and my six-year-old dog, Wiggles. I also love to travel! When I was four months old, after being adopted I made a transcontinental flight from South Korea to the US and I've loved visiting new places ever since!

I always knew I’d be a teacher, but it wasn’t until I started college that I settled on a specific subject and grade level. I taught English Language Arts and creative writing to 9th and 11th graders for 13 years before I decided to go back to school and change things up a bit. Along with my Master’s Degree in Education, I also earned my literacy specialist certification. I spent the next three years as a literacy specialist in an elementary school. When I’m not teaching and learning, I’m raising my three kids, two cats, one dog, and a hedgehog! As busy as that sounds, I also make plenty of time to date my best friend, my husband of 17 years. I am excited to be a tutor with this team!