As a lifelong learner, writer and educator, I am always on a deep dive into the meaning, expression, and the acquisition of knowledge and language, and how to make it accessible and exciting for all students.
I hold a Masters of Science in Education and am a Washington State Certified Teacher. I founded Taproot School, a place that celebrates neurodivergence, in 2012. While working with struggling students, I have witnessed science based, one-on-one intervention create new neural pathways in the brain and change students’ lives.
My practice is trauma informed and based on Growth Mindset. I specialize in working with Autistic, twice-exceptional students, as well as adopted and LGBTQIA students and families. My main priority is creating a safe space for students to feel at home, learn at their own pace, and be exactly who they are by bringing their interests into our learning.
When requested, I can include my family therapy dog to support students’ learning. My practice is in the heart of Des Moines, WA, a small town nestled between Normandy Park and Kent. I am also available for online sessions.
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Curriculum Vitae
Education
- MSEd, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY, 2003
- Concentrations: Child Development/Education
- Certification: Washington State Teacher Certification K-6
- Thesis: “We Make the Road By Walking: Experience and Education”
- Adviser: Mary Hebron M.S., New York University
- BA, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA, 1995
- Concentrations: Education/English
- FinalProject: “From Seed to Bloom” Chapbook
Experience
- Certified Dyslexia & Dysgraphia Interventionist, 2019-Present
- Educational Therapist & School Liaison, 2005-Present
- Private Clients, Seattle Public & Private Schools, Seattle, WA
- Founder/Head of School, Grades K-6, 2013-Present
- Taproot School, Seattle, WA
- Program Creator/Teacher, Grades Pre K-2, 2004-2013
- The Community School of West Seattle, Seattle, WA
- Instructor, Right to Write Program, Youth, 2002-2003
- Westchester Department of Corrections, Valhalla, NY
- Assistant Instructor, Women’s Health & Education, 2001-2002
- Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY
- Lab School Teacher, 2001-2002
- Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY
- Co-Teacher, Grades K-1 & 6-8, 2001-2003
- Ella Baker School, New York, NY
- Teacher, Grades K-5 & 6-8, 1999-2001
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research School, Seattle, WA
Publications/Presentations
- “Taproot School” taprootschool.org, Current
- “I’ll Go With You”: Vowing to Support My Transgender Son www.parentmap.com/article/vowing-to-support-my-transgender-son 2016
- “The Living Classroom” (www.thelivingclassroom.wordpress.com) Journal, 2005-2013
- “Emergent Curriculum & Project Approach” Parent Education Presentation, 2011
- “Positive Discipline & Positive Discipline for Children with Special Needs,” 2010-2012
- “Building a K-2 Program” Natural Learning Magazine, Olympia Free School Press, 2006
- “We Make the Road By Walking ” Thesis, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY, 2003
Professional Development
- “Wired For Reading,” Laura Woodruff Rogan, 2020, Seattle, WA
- “Gender Odyssey Conference,” 2018, Seattle, WA
- “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria and Other Conversations About Race,” Dr. Beverly Tatum, 2017, Seattle WA
- “Seattle Race Conference,” Seattle University, 2015, Seattle, WA
- “Talking with Children About Race,” Cultures Connecting, Caprice D. Hollins, Isla Govan, 2015, Seattle, WA
- “Handwriting Without Tears,” 2013, Seattle, WA
- “Helping Teachers Implement the Project Approach,” Dr. Sylvia Chard, 2011, Seattle, WA
- “Positive Discipline” Training, Dr. Jody McVittie, 2009, Seattle University, Seattle, WA
- “NAEYC Annual Conference and Expo,” 2007, Bellevue, WA
- “What If Today Was Their Only Day,” Lisa Murphy, 2007, Bellevue, WA
- “The Hundred Languages of Children, Italian Innovations in Early Childhood Education: A Tale of Two Cities,” 2005, Seattle, WA
- “Positive Discipline for Children with Special Needs”, Arlene Raphael & Steven Foster, parent and educator training, 2010, Portland, OR
- “Sarah Lawrence College Lecture,” Michael Moore, 2003, Bronxville, NY
- “The Five Stages of a Lifespan,” Patricia Carini, 2003, Prospect Center, Bennington, VT
- “Exclusions & Awakenings,” Maxine Greene, 2002, Columbia University, New York, NY
- “Marx Lecture,” Horace Mann Auditorium, Jonathan Kozol, 2002, Columbia University, New York, NY
- “Children’s Literature and Teaching a Child to Read,” 2002, Sarah Roosevelt Wilford, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY
- “Descriptive Review of a Child,” Patricia Carini, 2001, Prospect Center, Bennington, VT