Hello students and parents!  Welcome to our class website!

About Me

I was born in Holland and raised in the Grand Rapids area.  My husband, Chet, and I were married in 2015.  We live in Grand Rapids with our cat, Stella.  When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading, hiking, DIY projects, and cooking.  In the warmer months, I like to be outdoors as much as I can.  I spend my summers swimming, going to the beach, visiting my family's cottage, and exploring Northern Michigan.  I also love to travel anywhere I can, as much as I can!

Education and Teaching Experience

I attended Grand Valley State University, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in social studies and elementary education in 2009.  I began my teaching career in Spring Lake, teaching Title I to fifth and sixth grade students.  After that, I taught third grade in Cedar Springs for three years.  In 2014, I completed Montessori training and earned an AMS credential for Elementary I.  I am currently continuing my education by working toward a Master's degree in educational leadership at GVSU.  This year will be my eleventh year teaching and my seventh year at Black River.

My Teaching Philosophy

I believe that learning should be fun, hands-on, and memorable.  As a teacher, I strive to guide students as they explore and learn academically, and also as they learn how to interact with others and find their place in the world around them.  These principles are what drew me to the Montessori philosophy.  In our classroom, you will find students learning at their own pace, working together, and helping one another as the grow as students and as people.