I have been an Instructor for Livonia Public Schools since 1999. I have been at Jackson Center since 2013. Previously, I was the Pre K 4 year olds teacher/ assistant director at the Wayne State Univretsity Pyschology Child Development Lab for 14 years. I have been actively working in the field of Early Childhood Development for over 35 years. It is my passion!!

I have worked on the curriculum team at Jackson as well as collaborated with LPS kindergarten teachers to devlop our curriculum.  The Owl classroom provides activities that promote growth and development of the whole child while honing in on kindergarten readiness skills. I focus on meeting the child where they are, assesing them socially emotionally as well as their motor development & cognition as they begin in the Owl room.  (I assess, again, in February & offer parent- teacher conferences as well). The curriculum is theme based which uses input from the children's interests as well as influenced by the world around us, offering diversity in culture and climate. I ask parents to share personal heritage throughout the year that I create lessons around to enrich our learning. The word that sums up the Owl room is "busy".  We are busy learning, exploring, growing, using divergent thinking, making mistakes, making social connections, developing independence, having fun. We are busy learning through play.

In my time away from school, I spend it with my husband (Mr. Tom, the ice cream man), 2 sons, 2 bonus sons, 4 DILs, 7 grandkids, my mom, and 2 rescue dogs, Ivy & Cosmo.  I am a Michigan girl (Go Blue & mitten state). I love any town with a beach. I love the water; sailing, swimming, floating or just toes in the water. I love to vacation, bake, craft and to read. I love nature. I have been bird watching with the northern Michigan Audubon Society since I could walk. (Thanks, Gramma!) And if you haven't guessed it, I LOVE owls (with feathers or the 4 year old variety).