Our community wants to see Grand Rapids Public Schools as a thriving, healthy learning space. A well equipped Board of Education can provide equitable systems, meaningful accountability, and the much needed resources to create change so that our district flourishes in every way.
For all 23 of my years in public education I have been passionate about innovation and change. My experience has been leading me to here and now. Please give me a chance to serve you, your family, and your neighbors by electing me as a member of the Board of Education in GRPS.
The Grand Rapids Public School District is a big part of my life. I began teaching there in 2004 and owe much of my current passion and expertise to the wonderful staff that surrounded me at Harrison Park! In 2010 I became an assistant principal and then a principal. For the last 5 years I have had the privilege of working with districts all across West Michigan as an educational consultant. That work has given me a broader understanding of the educational world of practice and research. My family and I have always lived in the district, sent our 2 boys to our neighborhood elementary school, and have been involved in advocating for the needs of our neighbors. During the at-home learning portion of the pandemic, I worked with The Other Way Ministry to set up a safe space for Westside students to meet in person with skilled tutors. I’ve written news articles, spoken at board meetings, been involved with 3 strategic plans, joined listening events, and am now clear on my next step: being a member of the GRPS Board of Education.
I have some strong convictions of what I’d like to see happen in our district.
Rollerskating photographer with middle schoolers from Harrison Park.
The results of a fierce game of "capture the fish" with 5th graders at Camp Minitou-Lin.
My son started kindergarten at Shawmut Hills the same day I started as the principal there!
Gifts from our community on Principal's Appreciation Day.
My own crazy family!
The things we do to encourage reading!
Working with the Swanson Foundation to plant more trees.
Who am I?
Passionate Educator
Was a teacher for 10 years, a principal for 10 years, and a consultant for 3 years
Implemented Restorative Justice, reverse suspensions, stay-ins, alternative recess, sensory breaks, and more
Bilingually endorsed - Spanish & English
2 year training on creating a trauma-informed school systems
Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership
Specialist’s Degree in Curriculum Development
Strategic Change Agent
Involved in School Improvement Planning for 18 years
Lead Presenter and Implementer of instructional shifts towards Common Core State Standards
Studied under The National Equity Project with personal coaching for 2 years, planning strategically for changes that were needed within our building
Coach for Education Trust Midwest, consulting with district leaders and school teams to align research, goals, and actions
Strategic Planning Consultant to establish mission/vision
Explored results-based management models
Audit Participant for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD®)
Aspiring Leaders Cohort through a selective Wallace Foundation Grant
Learned Group Facilitation Methods and various adult learning models
Community Builder
22 years living and serving in Grand Rapids, MI
Written for the local newspaper
Speaker at local churches, Kiwanis, womens’ gatherings, graduations, and university panels
Board member of local non-profits
Use Asset Based Community Development to frame my work
Member of The Equity in Education Challenge, sponsored by Steelcase Foundation
Studied, implemented and shared the 4 Key Equity Assets to build student success
Facilitator of Professional Learning Communities
Life Long Learner
Passionately in pursuit of being anti-racist personally, professionally, and systemically
Professional Learning for Adults, Dr. Richard Lemons
Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Trained and Certified
Cognitive Coaching for individuals and groups
Experience as a Payroll Officer and Grant Writer
Experience in cross-cultural communication - Korea, Spain, Mexico, Guatemala
Still learning Spanish, the piano, and just picked up the Ukulele
Continue to learn from bell hooks, Parker J Palmer, Peter Gray, Brene Brown, Sir Kenneth Robinson, the 6 Pillars of Wellbeing, Hammond’s work in Culturally Responsive Teaching, Singleton’s Courageous Conversations About Race, and Milner’s re-imagining of classroom management, The Center for Action and Contemplation, UnboundEd, The Center for Courage and Renewal, The New Teacher Project and more.
Drop me a note.
I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
Déjame una nota.
Me encantaría conocer sus pensamientos y opiniónes.