What brings you to GRB?

• I live out in Hannibal, so finding a job that I love so close to home is like hitting the jackpot. I always thought that I would retire from Liverpool, but when I saw the job posting, something kept telling me to apply and see if I get an interview. As I worked through the interview process, I was able to meet our district leadership team, some of our students and parents and some of our teachers. Something that really resonated with me during the interview process was how proud of their school and community each of the groups was. I was especially moved by our student group because they talked about all of the great things that happen at GRB such as the GRB news, the Unified Sports program, and how much they enjoy learning from the teachers here in Fulton. I felt like students, parents, teachers, and district leadership were all telling me, in their own ways, “This place matters to us.”
  
  One thing that I really like about Fulton is that it’s a nice blend of all my personal and professional experiences; I grew up in a small community and graduated with only about 70 other students. I’ve taught in a small community and also worked in a larger, very diverse district as well. I like that the greater Fulton community blends all of that for me. Fulton is so much more than what someone might see just driving through. The Fulton community includes so much; farming, fishing, boating, etc. while still having that small city identity.
   

Describe the educational and professional journey that has led you to this point.

• I came to Oswego back in 2004 where I began my studies at SUNY Oswego. While at SUNY Oswego, I studied to become an ENL teacher and was fortunate enough to also get a certification in French as well. I also traveled with SUNY Oswego to France and Benin, West Africa, as an undergrad and then began working on my graduate work right away. While I was working on my graduate degree in Literacy, I worked in the Mexico CSD where I was the middle school French teacher, AVID elective teacher, and supported the district’s ENL students. I absolutely loved working in Mexico as it was very similar to where I grew up. Working there truly became the foundation of my teaching and leadership journey. 
  
  After about 8 years in Mexico, I took a job in the Liverpool CSD where I became one of the French teachers and I also worked with the ENL students there, too. I was also the senior class advisor, global exchange club advisor and Department Chair.  I realized I really enjoyed being able to have an impact beyond my own classroom, which eventually led me to pursue school leadership and eventually completed my Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership through SUNY Fredonia. I then became one of the Dean of Students, the Summer School principal and then one of the building principals there at Liverpool High School. 

What are your responsibilities as Building Principal?

• The responsibilities of a building principal include overseeing the day-to-day operations of the school, creating a positive and welcoming school environment and to build a long term vision for our building. One of the biggest responsibilities for me as a building principal isn't to have every answer myself; it's to bring people together, understand what we have and what we need and figure out what we're going to do about it. Being a building principal starts with listening to our students, our staff and our greater community about what they also see for their school and how we can work together to make those visions a reality.
   

What are you most looking forward to in working here?

• I’m most looking forward to getting to know the community, our students and our staff. Since starting last Monday, I’ve gotten to connect with several staff members throughout the building. Each and every person I’ve met so far has been so welcoming and supportive during my transition. I think, though, that I’m most looking forward to growing with GRB. I honestly can’t wait to welcome back our staff and students and to write GRB’s next chapter together.
   

What impact do you hope to have here?

• Fulton and GRB have lots to be proud of. From the academic programs, athletics programs including our Unified Sports program, to the after school clubs and activities, GRB continues to support students on their journey to becoming young adults. For me, school is about students seeing themselves and finding a place to belong and succeed. Every student should leave GRB having had access to opportunities, knowing that adults cared about them and feeling prepared for whatever comes next. If, years from now, GRB is an even stronger place for students because of the work we did together, I'll feel like I made the impact I hoped to make.
   

What are your interests outside of work?

• Right now, my time outside of work is pretty much consumed with our 7-month old lab puppy, Brock. He’s got lots of energy, so we spend a lot of time with him. We do a lot of walks out in Sterling and anywhere there is water. Brock loves to swim and we’ve also recently been taking him to dock diving. My husband and I also enjoy traveling; we love finding our next adventure and just enjoying the moment. One of our best trips was in Europe where we spent about 2 weeks visiting France and Switzerland. We went canyoning and skydiving in the Alps and it was one of the wildest and crazy experiences.
  
  I’ve also got a hobby of collecting houseplants; I’ve got almost 75 different types of houseplants. Two of my favorite plants are my Rattlesnake Calathea and an africa violet plant that was my grandmother's from many, many years ago.
  
  Being a principal is a pretty demanding job, so I also just enjoy relaxing out on the back deck and spending time with family. Also, I love ice cream, so going to Scoops has been pretty high up there on our list of things to do this summer. My go-to is a regular soft chocolate in a waffle cone. If I’m feeling really crazy I’ll put some sprinkles on there too.