Tell us about yourself!

I live in PEI and am in my 6th year of teaching, currently I am teaching elementary Physical Education and Grade 5 and 6 math. I have been in this position at O’Leary Elementary for the last 4 years and I love it. I have always wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I have a write up that I put into a time capsule in grade 3 that asks where I see myself in the year 2025. I wrote that I wanted to be an NHL hockey player and a teacher. I followed through with one of those, and… it looks like I got 3 years left to try and make the other come true. In all honesty, my motivation to become a teacher came from all of the awesome teachers I had growing up, the impact they had on me, and the lessons they taught me. One of the things I love about teaching is giving students the ability to explore and learn new things, helping them find something they are passionate about and seeing the “Ah-ha moment” when they figure out a new concept. I spend most of my time after the school day either coaching sports or playing sports. As the phys. Ed. teacher I coach all of our school sports teams (soccer, cross country, basketball, badminton, track and field, softball). Aside from the elementary school sports I also coach a junior high volleyball team and a spring volleyball club team. If I am not coaching then I am usually golfing, playing hockey, softball or volleyball.

Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?

My favourite hockey player was always Joe Sakic because I always thought he was a great leader and team player. A favorite player that is currently playing would be Alexander Ovechkin because he has been so great for the game. He has been exciting to watch growing up and seeing him dominate over the years has been fun.

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

My favourite part of the Future Goals program is the fact that the lessons and games are interesting and exciting. It helps to keep students interested in the learning outcomes because they love hockey. For some students who don’t have any experience with the game of hockey it gives them a chance to learn about a new sport and maybe spark an interest to try out hockey. STEM is all around the game of hockey. You can relate many learning outcomes to the sport to help deliver a lesson. From the science of how ice is made or equipment is made or developed, or the math involved in the statistics or score keeping. Lessons to be learned everywhere.

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

I play center, but in the past I played on the wing as well.