Photo: Dangling my feet atop my favorite secret treehouse in Payson Canyon.
ABOUT ME
Education
Photo: Receiving my Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University August 2009.
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I am the product of two generations of educators. My grandmother taught first grade for decades, and my father is a middle school math teacher. Discussion about education policies and attitudes were pervasive throughout my childhood. However, when I first enrolled in college, I was drawn to the liberal arts rather than the realm of teaching. My study of art, philosophy, culture, and history expanded my perspectives and provided me with the skills to think critically and provide deep analysis. I fell madly in love with the Italian language and culture and followed up my undergraduate education with a Master of Arts in Italian Studies: Language and Civilization, and was able to study for a year in Florence. Post-grad, I got involved with nonprofit and community organizations, and my career trajectory shifted. My consciousness regarding social issues was raised, and I decided to continue my education, earning an Master of Education with a specialization in Adult Education and Training. In an effort to further my ability to be a voice for communities and social justice, I will begin a PhD program in Education, Culture, and Society in Fall 2018.
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AmeriCorps VISTA
The experiences that have most profoundly shaped my professional interests happened while I was an AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA). After earning my MA, I took an AmeriCorps position as the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator for Neighborhood House, a nonprofit founded in 1894 that provides quality, affordable educational services for children and youth, and programs for adults who need supervised care during the day. I became enraptured with the work and stayed on staff beyond my one-year of service to continue building partnerships. Eventually, I was compelled to complete another year of AmeriCorps service through generationOn, a national nonprofit promoting youth service. I worked closely with a Title I combined elementary and middle school to implement service-learning programs inside and outside of the classrooms. One of my favorite elements of that job was working with the Parent Association and forming strong bonds with the families at the school. You can read a reflection on my AmeriCorps VISTA service on the blog for Points of Light - the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service.
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Travel
I am always game for an adventure - whether it is a weekend getaway to the mountains or a sojourn across the ocean. Many of the photos used on this website have been captured during my travels. I have lived in Italy and the United Kingdom. I believe that travel gives us a chance to learn, adapt, and understand the limitations of our own perceptions.
Photo: The Duomo and Baptistry in Florence, Italy |
Hobbies
I think of myself as something of a dilettante. I love music and can eke out a melody on the cello and flute, although I am still learning how to tame the strings of the guitar and the buttons of the accordion. I am passionate about writing and literature. I also love snowboarding, running, hiking, and my dog Hector.
Phot: Hiking with my dog Hector outside of Loveland, Colorado. |