I have been in the education field since 1980, and I care very deeply about teaching children, helping them to develop in academic and social-emotional areas. My first teaching ecperience was as an assistant in a bilingual pre-school, where I came to appreciate stories, music, and play as integral to the learning process, and found joy in helping children form bonds across diverse cultures. In my years as a teacher in the Vashon schools, I have had the joy of working in both multi-age and first grade classes. First graders are dear to my heart because they have great imaginations, unfettered curiosity, and often appreciate games, movement activities, impromptu songs, and jokes. My goal is to help children become active members of a learning community where all are appreciated for their strengths and where it is safe to take risks while developing skills in areas of challenge.