There are many things that make Grandview Heights a special place to live. From the restaurants and coffee shops to the lively parks and neighborhoods, there are treasures to be found around almost every corner. But when I chose Grandview as the place I wanted to raise my son, it was the city schools that rose to the top of my list. 

SUPPORTING THE EDUCATION Mission

When I sing the praises of the Grandview City School District, I do so with two separate points of view. First of all, as a parent, I continually am impressed by the education my son is receiving. As he enters first grade at Robert Lewis Stevenson Elementary, I have the same concerns and questions that any parent would have. Will he receive the teacher's attention? Will he be appropriately challenged? Will he get assistance if it is necessary? Fortunately, those concerns are reduced by the knowledge of all the positive experiences he has had thus far. He comes home from class filled with new knowledge and stories of class activities that he is bursting to share. It's a comfort and joy to see.

As an educator, I also am impressed with what I have seen from Grandview Schools. After I graduated from The Ohio State University, my teaching career began in 2004 in the Columbus Public School district, teaching at Mifflin and Briggs high schools. In 2008 I moved to Westerville North High School where I teach all levels of Spanish. It remains my professional home where I love working with students and my colleagues. Both groups push me to be the best teacher I can be. I have also extended my professional development by earning a Master Teacher Certification from the Ohio Department of Education, a Teacher Leadership endorsement from The Ohio State University, and in the spring of 2018 I will complete my administrative license in education from Ohio State.    

Additionally, I work outside the classroom to give back to the educational community. I have addressed our state and local legislators to express my concerns about the over-testing of our students, as well as the lack of funding available. If schools focus solely on standardized testing preparation, it robs the students of a well-rounded education that will help them learn and grow as individuals. Meanwhile, lack of funds often means the elimination of curricular and extra-curricular activities that are instrumental in setting a student's course.

I also have worked to learn as much as I can about the background, experiences, concerns, and expectations of our rapidly changing student population. I have searched out insights related to issues of diversity, gender, and equity that our students face daily. In recent years I also have traveled to Nicaragua and Honduras where I support the Arms of Love orphanage. Through these programs, I work with students of all ages, as well as complete a variety of service projects.

Successful schools are collaborative efforts. The variety of ways in which I interact with education makes me uniquely qualified to serve this community and school district. Not only am I a proud Bobcat parent, but I am very happy to be a part of the Grandview community.   Having worked throughout central Ohio in different communities and with teachers from all over Ohio,  I know how well-respected our schools and our students are. I would be proud to help continue that tradition and nurture further growth through these changing times.

DEDICATED TO EDUCATION