It is often said that what happens to us in childhood can shape our destiny. I had a very difficult time learning to read in first grade. I was still not a fluent reader at the end of second grade so the choice was retention or attended summer school. The extra attention, the smaller group size and just growing up and becoming less shy really seemed to help. Even back in third grade I was saying I would become a teacher because I didn't want anyone to feel as confused or embarrassed as I had. I guess I was always trying to help the other children feel comfortable in school. Some decades have passed and I recently received "Woman of the Year" in Education from the local Rotary and Lions' Clubs for creating the Early Start Program for at-risk entering kindergarten children as well as being "the glue that holds Briarcliff Elementary School together".

Over the past 38 years, I was privileged to engage students from preschool through middle school, as well as those in pre-service and graduate education programs at Dowling, Southampton and Stony Brook University. I have been a consultant and traveled to China and Australia to work with other educators. My educational philosophy has been rooted in a developmental, constructivist, and heart centered approach. This type of education respects student abilities, skills, interests, potential, dreams, and free will. I am a board member of the Association for Constructivist Teaching and was the editor of ACT journal.

Most people realize that all children (and adults) have gifts. For many years I taught gifted and talented children and special needs students, as well as coordinate their programs. I have worked to develop creativity through guided imagery, participation in problem-solving events as well as mentoring whole classes of children as they created their own zine.

As a principal of a K-1 school for the past 8 years, I noticed some changes in the way children are coming to school. Some roll their eyes, expect to be waited upon, and can tell what you are thinking. Then there are those who know a lot and get upset when adults are not forthright or get bossy. I have also seen great compassion and wisdom. This generation of children are growing up with cell phones, computers, cable, and video games as necessity. They also are growing up in the aftermath of September 11th.

I have extensive training in how to create a school/parent partnership, and how to incorporate creative problem-solving and thinking skills such as Instrumental Enrichment into the school day. Most recently I have incorporated Brain Gym into my repertoire. I am delighted to be an advocate for children and parents, and to provide a wealth of support for the faculty and staff. I have learned that working in partnership is critical to
any success, co-creating an amazing experience during this event.

I was raised me to be expect good things in my life, and to be empathic and ethical by example. I was taught by stories and daily living to be honest, understanding, generous, and help others. My biggest lessons were about judgment and forgiveness- specifically that people were generally doing the best the could for the moment. I learned to seek God though many religions because Teaching has been my passion and how I did my work in the world. After 7 years my husband and I felt the need for a deeper longer connection with children and soon after my son was born. While everyone we meet can be a teacher, both of my children have been significant in my learning about free will. My journey has been been one of so many seemingly unconnected events that have come to a unified understanding. My intuition has always served me extremely well. I have been learning about EFT techniques and am working towards becoming a Reiki master. I feel called to work with children and adults during this transitional time.