About Me

I teach Drama classes to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at Old Orchard Junior High. I also co-direct our two school plays each year. I love working with the incredible students at OOJH!

My Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Studies, Boston University
Master of Science in Education, Northwestern University

I continue to learn about education and theatre arts through professional development activities. Recent activities include:

• Creative Dramatics board member of the Illinois Theatre Association
• Participant in Northwestern University’s Action Research Network

My Theatre Journey
When I was little, I always loved dressing up and pretending to be different characters. In 5th grade, my music teacher encouraged me to audition for the school play, but I was too shy! (The part she wanted me to try out for was the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz…)

I was a tiger for Halloween in 2nd grade!

When I was in 7th grade, my family moved to a new town that had school plays and a community theatre. I found that being in the plays was a fun way to make friends and get involved in my new school.

I was a fairy in "Camelot" in 7th grade!

My high school had an excellent theatre department, and I learned more about theatre by taking classes and working on the extra-curricular plays there. Favorite characters I got the chance to play included a pickpocket, Little Red Riding Hood, a can-can dancer, a servant with an identical twin, and a wealthy French housewife!

A play in high school...

I continued to pursue my interest in theatre when I went to college at Boston University’s School for the Arts.

A Commedia dell'Arte play in college!

I began by studying to be an actor, but changed my plans when I learned about the exciting world of theatre education. I interned at the Huntington Theatre in Boston, and in the education departments of the Young Vic Theatre in London and Court Theatre in Chicago. When I moved to Chicago after college, I worked at Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE) and learned a huge amount from the teachers and artists there. After getting my education degree and certification, I began teaching at Old Orchard Junior High. Each day, I am fortunate enough to work with 6th, 7th, and 8th graders as they collaborate together to expand their minds and imaginations, tell stories, and explore the world.