Tell us about yourself!

I started as a substitute teacher for 12 years, then became a long term substitute in Tech Ed about 6 years ago. This is actually my first year a certified teacher, though I have been teaching this class in this school for 3 years. I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for STEM with others, and creating a safe space for failure and improvement. This year, as luck would have it, I was also diagnosed with breast cancer during the first few weeks of school. We are treating my cancer as just another problem to solve. I am using my experiences to share with my students to teach perseverance, re-iteration, and problem solving, which is what STEM is all about.

Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?

Because of his leadership role and pure passion for what he does, I love Alex Ovechkin. I share that same passion for what I do.

What is your favorite part of the Future Goals™program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?

My favorite part of Future Goals is definitely the practical application of physics in everyday life, in particular Newton’s Laws of motions. STEM is everywhere in hockey, particularly in the transfer of energy.

If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?

I deal with middle schoolers, mostly boys, all day. I would be the enforcer. I am fun, but I have rules and I make sure those rules are followed.