About Me.

Family

Husband: Alpha, Navy veteran, current RN

Children:  Apollo (10) & A'riyah (2)

Pets: Maverick, pug/shepherd /lab mix; Valkyrie, boxer/pittie/chow-chow mix; Kenny G- ball python.

Places Lived: Utah-2001, Georgia-2013, California-2017, Washington- 2019, Georgia- present​​

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Education

2013- Bachelors in English & Secondary Education- Columbus State University 

2014- Masters in Rhetoric & the Teaching of Writing- Northern Arizona University 

2024- Doctorate in English Pedagogy & Technology - Murray State University 

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Experience

1 year- 6-8th ELA

4 years- British Literature, Multicultural Literature, 9th Grade Composition/English l, American Literature, Dramatic Writing, SAT/ACT Test Prep, General Education, Special Education. 

7 years- English composition l & ll at Vincennes University, UMass Global and Georgia Military College

1 year- Self-Care Co-Op for students struggling with emotional regulation

2 years- Fitness for All Bodies for all students and faculty wanting to work out in a structured environment. 

Other jobs: Hallmark, McDonald's, Library Assistant, Dorm Cleaner, Dorm Parking Attendant, Olive Garden Waitress, Party City, VIPKid, Real Estate, Office Manager, Custodian, Gas Station Attendant, Retail Associate, Home Care Aide, Certified Coach & Fitness Instructor. 

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Awards

Teacher of the Year- Georgia Council of Teachers of English 2022

National High School Teacher of Excellence- National Council of Teachers of English 2023 

National Grantee- American Antiquarian Society. K-12 Summer Institute, Worcester, MA. 2024

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Hobbies

Powerlifting (competitor, coach, and referee)

Reading crime novels

Exploring

White Water Rafting

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Conference Presentations

"Writing I.R.L.- Real World Connections for Student Engagement". Workshop. November 2024. Boston, MA.

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“Textual Artifacts Projects and ‘Real World’ Writing Experience.” National Writing Project in the South Conference. March 2023. Augusta, GA.

 

“Perspectives Worth TAP-ing Into.” Georgia Council of Teachers of English. February 2023. 

 

“Real World Trauma, Real World Connections and Creative Writing”. Georgia Council of Teachers of English. February 2022. 

 

“Making the Grade”  The Future is Now. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. November 2021. Virtual.

 

“Smarter, Not Harder Lesson Planning” Georgia Educational Technology Consortium Conference. November 2021.

 

“The Fight for Cultural Representation in Eurocentric Curriculum”. Cultural Studies Association Conference. June 2021. Virtual.:;;;

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“Amazing: Body-Image, Fitness, and Self-Confidence” Virtual Teen Summit. March 2021. Virtual.

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“Deadlines, Assignments and Avatars-- Navigating Engaging and Equitable Learning”. Georgia Council of Teachers of English Conference.  February 2021.

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“Vox Populi,  Call to Arms: An Analysis of the Importance of Implementing Critical Pedagogy in the Classroom.” Session Chair.  Cultural Studies Association International Conference. June 2015. Riverside, CA

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Favorites
7Brew Coffee- Sweet & Salty w/ oatmilk

Street Tacos & Frozen Horchata (barbacoa, onion, cilantro,lime, fresh corn tortilla)

Hershey's Cookies & Cream Bars (really any chocolate)

Animals ( octopus,snakes,  kinkajou, harpy eagle)

​Amazing Race (Season: 24)

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park & State/ National Parks in general

White Water Rafting ( NC, TN, WA, SC)

Exploring 

Taylor Swift (since 2007) (Album: Evermore  Song: Mirrorball  Tour: Reputation Outfit: 1989)

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