Welcome to Unalaska City School! My husband Mike and our three boys are very happy to be here! Growing up, I was part of a community that valued working together and learning from our surroundings. We lived in the mountains of Washington, on the ancestral lands of the Sauk-Suiattle people. Some of my most memorable lessons came from place-based, hands-on projects like growing fruit and learning about local nature, history, and crafts. These experiences shaped my belief in the power of authentic, meaningful learning.
Over the past 15 years I have been a multi-age classroom teacher, a special education teacher, and a K-12 special programs director (special education, English as an Additional Language, Highly Able Programming). I have worked in Washington State, Sudan, Uganda and most recently Pakistan.
I believe that education should be personal, engaging, and sometimes a little messy. It's not just about filling young minds with facts, but about helping students discover themselves and develop a vision for their future. We celebrate diversity, emphasize teamwork, and create inclusive environments. We teach students to see failure as a chance to grow, and we encourage them to develop the grit to keep going even when things are tough. Preparing students for a future we can’t fully predict requires connection, collaboration, and perseverance.
As the principal, I support the community to ensure that everyone—teachers, staff, parents and students—feel valued and engaged. I see myself as a mentor, cheerleader, and servant leader. I believe happy people do great work, and this important work in schools will shape our future. We aim to help students reach their fullest potential and become their best selves. By ensuring an environment of caring and continuous improvement, we empower our learners to make a positive impact on the community while navigating their own personal journey.
