Nice to meet you!
My Background
My first love was science, and my second is education. While earning my science degree, I found myself drawn into teaching, first through roles at local science centers where I worked with learners ranging from preschoolers to adults. What started as a “college job” quickly became something more. I realized I loved not just sharing science, but designing how people experienced it, creating engaging and meaningful ways for others to connect with ideas that excited me.
That interest ultimately led me to pursue a career in education, where I now have over 18 years of experience. Over time, I found that the part of teaching I was most drawn to was the design itself, figuring out how people learn, where they get stuck, and how to build experiences that help them move forward. The process of gathering information, analyzing patterns, and creating targeted learning experiences has always felt less like work and more like something I genuinely enjoy. It is the kind of challenge I would choose to take on even if it were not my job.
I continued developing this skill set by earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, where I built a strong foundation in learning theory, instructional design, and professional development. My capstone project brought these pieces together through a full needs analysis, where I collected and analyzed data to design a targeted program addressing a real challenge teachers were experiencing.
With a background in science, I naturally approach instructional design through a data-driven lens. I am drawn to collecting and analyzing information to determine solutions. For me, instructional design is, at its core, problem-solving, identifying gaps in skills or understanding and designing learning experiences that close those gaps, whether in a classroom or a professional setting.
When skills and Interest Align
Transitioning from traditional classroom teaching into instructional design has allowed me to focus more fully on this work. Many people describe themselves as “passionate” about this field, but for me, that is not hyperbole. The combination of education, data analysis, and creative design is what makes this work genuinely enjoyable. It is the part of the profession I have always been most drawn to, and it is where I do my best work.
Beyond the Work
There is a lot of life at home. I raise chickens and bees, and I value the lessons they teach my children: the responsibility, curiosity, and appreciation for life that come with caring for them. It’s a hands-on way for all of us to stay connected to the natural world, and a reminder that some of the most meaningful learning happens through everyday experiences.
Having a science background, I’m naturally drawn to the outdoors. You can usually find me relaxing (or working!) outside, and I love sharing that enthusiasm for nature with my family.
My husband is a historian, and his enthusiasm for the subject has drawn in this lifelong learner. As a family, we participate in a Revolutionary War reenactment unit, the 9th PA. Even outside my main field, I find myself educating others as we interact with spectators during battles and living history events.