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Get to Know Me 

I have proudly served in the field of education for over two decades. From teaching students in the classroom, providing professional development for educators, and establishing the district's eLearning program at the local level to advising policy implementation and overseeing communications for Indiana’s state education agency, I have dedicated my skills and professional efforts to improving educational experiences for learners and their families, and for educators at all levels, state and nation-wide.

Over the course of my career, I have had many opportunities to grow as an educator and a leader, bringing me this opportunity to share what I have learned through my experiences with others. At the onset of my career, I served as a primary classroom teacher. I was in this role for fourteen years. As a classroom teacher, I had a reputation for offering my students a learning environment that fostered high expectations. I served as a teacher leader and was invited to share my instructional techniques with classroom practitioners state and nationwide. Most notably, I created original songs to complement each of Kristina Smekens’ Six Traits of Writing, which were published in her popular book, Launching the Writer’s Workshop (2008). Additionally, I was asked to present at the National I Teach K! Kindergarten Teacher’s Conference (2008) in Las Vegas and at the PATINS Conference (2015) in Indianapolis. I was recognized for my exceptional efforts in the classroom in 2013 when I was awarded the first-ever Ball Brother's Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award for Delaware County. The inclusion of instructional technology in classrooms came about in 2011, and in 2013, I stepped out of the classroom to assume the role of Director of eLearning and Curricular Innovation for Yorktown Community Schools. Serving in this position allowed me to pursue my passion for creating innovative learning opportunities for both students and educators. Additionally, I assumed many communications responsibilities for the district, aligning messaging for programs (including eLearning) and engaging families. Due to my work in these roles, I was recognized as a sought-after presenter, sharing at multiple state and national-level conferences. I regularly hosted educational technology workshops and conferences in my own district, open to all Hoosier educators. My work in the field of innovative learning earned me the title of CoSN’s Next Generation Leader in 2017. While serving in my Director role, I was contracted by other local education agencies to share my expertise on virtual and innovative learning practices, growing the competency of hundreds of educators in east-central Indiana and beyond.

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In 2017, Yorktown's superintendent, Dr. Jennifer McCormick, took office as Indiana's forty-fourth State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dr. McCormick was dedicated to ensuring Indiana's state education agency provided excellent communication and customer service. Based on my success in providing this at the district level,  I was invited to join the Superintendent's cabinet at the Indiana Department of Education as Chief Communication Strategist. During my time serving in this role, I was able to have a significant impact on education-related statewide communication. I established policies that had never before been put in place and crafted and streamlined messaging, making the critical information shared more consumable for educators, schools, and families. This was never more important than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, I assumed the responsibility of IDOE staff development, ensuring they were using effective communication processes while consistently advising and modeling communication best practices for local education agencies. These best practices focused on engaging stakeholders and handling demanding situations. These efforts were appreciated and recognized by district leaders and families during our term and beyond. 

 

​For years, my work colleagues, family members, and friends alike have celebrated my desire and ability to "upgrade" every project and activity that I have taken on. I am thrilled that my professional experiences and family support have led me to be able to partner with schools and educational institutions to upgrade their communications practices. 

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