I was born and raised in Aiken, South Carolina. In 2010, I moved to Fairbanks, Alaska to finish up high school in order to prepare for college at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. At UAF, I studied music education. For the performance side of the degree, I studied tuba and voice. While in college, I performed with several ensembles including the UAF Wind Symphony, Choir of the North, and Opera Fairbanks.
I have been a music educator in Fairbanks, Alaska since 2020, working with students in Kindergarten thru Eighth Grade. In addition to general music classes, I have directed choir, show choir, and an annual musical. I have taught more extensive "exploration" classes including Ukulele, Piano, Handbell Choir, World Beat Ensemble, Song Parodies (literacy focus), and more.
Skills & Qualifications
Working with students in K-8 has given me the opportunity to develop a diverse set of skills that cover several grade ranges. These include:
Choral music directing
General music planning and teaching
Piano instruction
Ukulele instruction
Stage and musical theatre directing
Collaborative problem solving
Use of educational technology
Low brass instruction and playing technique
Accommodating the needs of many learners
Teaching Experience
Barnette Magnet School, General Music & Vocal Music
August 2021-CurrentIn August of 2021, I began work as a general and vocal music teacher at Barnette Magnet School (K-8). In addition to general music classes, I teach choir, show choir, piano, ukulele, world beat ensemble, and others.
Joy K-8 School, General Music & Instrumental Music
August 2020-May 2021In August of 2020, I began work as a general and instrumental music teacher a Joy K-8 School. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my schedule required virtual, hybrid, and in-person teaching at different times of the school year. I connected with each student to help them grow as musicians.
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, Substitute Employee
January 2017-August 2020As a substitute teacher, I primarily worked in general music, instrumental music, choral music, and special education classrooms.
Professional Development
National Association of Music Merchants, Guitar Level 1
In May 2021, I participated in the the Teaching Guitar Workshop hosted by the National Association of Music Merchants and the National Association for Music Education. In this workshop, I earned my Guitar Level 1 Certification
American Orff-Schulwerk Association, Orff Level 1
In July 2023, I attended the Orff Level 1 workshop put on by the Alaska Orff Chapter and the University of Alaska Anchorage. It was taught by Karen Medley and Kay Lehto. I have spent the last year implementing my new knowledge in the classroom, and I hope to take level 2 during Summer 2024.
Restorative Discipline
In Fall 2021, I took a class based on the book Discipline that Restores by Ron and Roxanne Claassen. I implemented many of the topics discussed in my classroom.