August 30, 2023
What position will you be holding at MPA?
8th Social Studies / Substitute Teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
Groves Academy.
Tell us about your education and past experience.
I received my MA from St. Thomas in Education (Gifted Curriculum). I have taught the following sciences at Stillwater, Hastings, Mastery, and Groves: Environmental Science, Biology, Physical Science. I had four children in five years, so I opened a Preschool near Madison, WI. I had 96 children there and could take my children to work with me. It is still a wonderful school after 29 years. I have started or updated five preschools and observed/evaluated teachers for five years before moving back to the Twin Cities.
What did you find appealing about MPA?
I heard of it while teaching at Groves, where I had a very special student who had gone to MPA.
My husband and I moved from N Mpls to Maplewood, and I realized MPA was two blocks from me. It took me a bit to put 2 and 2 together, but I went to Hill-Murray for High School, and MPA was the old Hill HS before merging with Archbishop Murray! I love teaching in smaller, private schools as they represent to me a much better model of education: smaller class sizes, more individualized instruction, and a healthier school community that INCLUDES parents and families. Plus – it is a gorgeous school and a pleasure to be a part of.
What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
For me, regardless of the subject matter that I teach, I focus on the idea of us as life-long learners and members of the global community. I am an advocate for the planet and environment, and believe that true kindness is the solution to many of our problems.
What’s your big dream?
To leave the planet a little bit better than I found it!
What are you (and your family, if you so choose) passionate about?
We are all quite independent, free thinkers. We are passionate about politics, the environment, each other, and the Packers and are in crisis mode because Aaron Rodgers is with the NY Jets. I think we will now become Jets fans.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I love water: swimming, paddle boarding, listening to the pattern of the waves. I have traveled quite a bit and lived in an abandoned cabin in Alaska and a teepee along the Mississippi. I love soil and gardening; I love to feel the sun on my face, and on and on!
