Stories and Songs in Second

I have been an elementary educator since 1989! ! I am currently a Reading Intervention Specialist, but have taught second grade, third grade, first grade, fifth grade, and Kindergarten over the years. I love all things literacy-related, and own over 20 tubs of picture books that I use as mentor texts in my instruction.

I love planning thematic, integrated units. My district is currently using Heggerty Phonemic Awareness, and Fundations programs. I also completed 30-hours of IMSE Orton-Gillingham training in June 2022. I am an advocate of developmentally appropriate, multi-sensory literacy learning activities that are aligned to the Science of Reading. I use music and movement to engage and interest my striving readers. I also use my vast repertoire of songs and poetry to help my students have a rhyming good time while developing reading fluency.

Elementary Educator of the Year, 2000 Sylvania Schools Sylvania, Ohio

Completed my Reading Endorsement through Heidelberg College's online Thinking Works program designed by Dr. Eileen Carr. May 2016 Earned my Masters of Education with Technology Endorsement May 2008 Lourdes University, Sylvania, Ohio; Completed my Elementary Education Certification December 1989 University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio; Earned my B.A. in English/Journalism, August 1983 Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

I am the proud mother of two young adults. I am known to be sassy, sensitive, and slightly humorous. I am a collector of children's picture books, an avid reader, thoughtful writer, and educational blogger. I am also a crafter, quilter, and a guitar player. Caramel lattes and holiday movies on the Hallmark Channel are two of my positive addictions. I am also a self-described "hippie chick" who loves folk music from the 60's and 70's. I love wearing bright colors, jangling bracelets and dangling earrings. I am a Rescue Dog Mama to Miss Sadie Mae, a very cute and spunky Jack Russell Terrier. I am blessed to be a Lymphoma survivor. CONTACT: storiesandsongs2@gmail.com