Tell us about yourself!

I have been teaching middle school science since 1994 (27 years) most of it in the 7th grade. I decided to become a teacher because being around kids has always been something that I did and enjoyed from my very first job as a lifeguard/summer camp counselor. I enjoy watching my students learn and get excited about science as we complete various classroom activities throughout the school year. I’m always looking for that “Aha!” moment to happen. Being in the classroom is exciting because something new is going on every day.

I am also the head coach of the Kent County YMCA Sea Otters in Warwick, which is the same city where I teach. Our team consistently has 100-120 swimmers between the ages of 7 to 17 and has placed no lower than 4th in our league for each of the 25 years I have coached the team. We have also finished as high as 3rd at our New England YMCA championship meet.

Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?

Ray Bourque – He was such a class act as a competitor and never openly complained about all the years his teams didn’t reach the ultimate goal. I was happy the way it ended for him in Colorado but obviously wish it could have been in Boston. The thing that sticks out most to me isn’t a game moment but is when he changed his jersey number to honor Phil Esposito when the Bruins retired his number. If that doesn’t speak to the class of Ray Bourque, I’m not sure what else does.

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

I really enjoy the interactive nature of the programs. In some ways they resemble the RICAS-Science testing platform with drop down menus, digital format and the data analysis expectations. There are many places where STEM is found in the game of hockey. The quality of the ice, analysis of training plans, speed of skating/shots and reaction times just to name a few. I think kids benefit from seeing real life connections between subjects studied in school.

The other great part of the programs is that they continue to remain free for all to use. This is especially helpful where money for extra curricula may not be available for some school districts.

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

Goalie – Love the idea of stopping shots and literally saving the day. (horrible pun absolutely intended) Although, skating is an issue so maybe just floor hockey.