Tell us about yourself!

I am in my 25th year as an educator. I have been privileged to work with students with disabilities at the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade levels. I am currently teaching basic mathematics and basic science to students with learning challenges. I always knew I wanted to teach since I was a young girl, but I never thought I would be teaching students with disabilities. I have learned so much from my students and how to better help my students. Outside of school, I am a volunteer Court Appointed Special advocate for children in Foster care. This is my favorite role as I can help children in foster care advocating for their well-being in school and life. On top of all that I am a mom to an amazing young lady who I am very proud of.

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

My favorite part of the Future Goals program is that I don’t have to do any real lesson planning! The program provides me with lesson plans aligned with the standards and my students love the Sharks so learning concepts through sports makes my students want to engage more with the programs. I see STEM in the creation of an ice rink, the designing of a hockey uniform, the force needed to move a hockey puck just right and so many other ways.

Who is your favorite NHL® Player and why?

Of course, as a Shark fan, Patrick Marleau is my all-time favorite. Not only was he a great player throughout his 20-plus-year career, but he appeared in three All-Star games, won two Olympic gold medals, and has such a positive influence on the community in San Jose. He is missed here in this city!

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

If anyone ever let me on the ice to play hockey, it would probably be pretty funny. However, say we lived in an imaginary world where I could skate without any problems, I think I would make a great defensive player. I would not be very fast but I am sure I could defend the goal pretty darn good, and maybe even steal the puck away from the other team.