I am a parent of a Westfield Public Schools student, a former educator, and a senior leader at one of the nation’s largest education nonprofit organizations. 

I started my education career as a high school science teacher, with a focus on problem-based learning and authentic learning experiences for students. In my classroom, students would do things like study wetland biodiversity to recommend land use planning in their city, they presented in front of city council, and they met with professors to learn about survey design to conduct their own research. My goal was always to ensure that students were meeting the appropriate standards through rigorous, relevant curricula.

Throughout my teacher preparation and career, I became interested in issues related to teacher quality and teacher recruitment and retention. After leaving the classroom, I received a PhD studying teacher labor markets, in particular teacher recruitment and retention.

I applied what I learned in my doctorate program to utilize my skills as a data scientist and joined one of the largest education nonprofit organizations in the country, Teach for America. I joined the organization because Teach for America's vision is to "work towards the day when every child will receive an excellent and equitable education". They do this by finding and supporting leaders committed to expanding opportunity for low-income students.

Over time, I have moved into a finance role, where I currently serve as the Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis, responsible for the budgeting process and financial strategy of this $300M organization.

These experiences, from the classroom, to education policy, to data analysis, to financial management and strategy have provided the key experiences necessary to be successful as a school committee member.