Year Graduated:  2015

Current School:  Franconia Elementary

What inspired you to return to your alma mater as a teacher?

Given the fact that I was a student with an IEP, receiving special education services, I wanted to pay forward all of the dedicated support that was given to me by countless adults from my Kindergarten through Senior Year.

What’s your fondest memory as a student here, and how does it influence your teaching?

Receiving The Michael Ferdock Award at the end of my eighth grade year at Indian Crest Middle School. This influences my teaching as an instructional assistant, by remembering that my character is what truly can inspire others in the field of education.

Are there any colleagues or mentors still here who taught you as a student? What’s it like working with them now?

There are many. A few that stand out are Heather Holak, Cathy Corcoran, and Autumn Wright, who went from being my teachers at Franconia Elementary to now being my coworkers at that very school. Another mentor is Matt Montagna, who went from being one of my high school teachers and advocates, to hiring me into the district in May of 2023. Lastly, Renee Wagner, Karen Yerk, and Jenny Prichard, who all oversaw my IEP during my middle school years at Indian Valley and Indian Crest. I even had the chance to work with Renee Wagner in the STARR Program at The High School, during my time there, before transferring to my old Elementary School, Franconia.