Welcome

I enjoy being the 6th/7th grade counselor at Hillside! My goal throughout my 28 tenure in education, 19 years as a counselor, has been to teach children resiliency skills to face their adversity! I do this through individual, small group, classroom, and grade level lessons and presentations.

I am a published author of seven inspirational Mind Over Matter books, six of which are for children, all of which reinforce resiliency skills and are used in lessons with the students. I also offer yoga and mindfulness groups to help children focus, be present, improve communication and relationships, lessen anxiety, stress, depression and anger issues.

To better understand who I am, what I have experienced and how I operate, I have provided you some basic information:


My goals at Hillside:

1. To offer means for children to better cope with life and all of the issues that come with it.

2. To be a visible and active support to all students.

3. To work collaboratively with administration in handling student behavioral concerns


My Education:

Baldwin Wallace College-B.S. Degree in Elem. Education K-8 and Special Ed K-12

Kent State University-Masters Degree in Special Education

Kent State University-Educational Specialist Degree in School Counseling


My Career:

1990-1992-Olmsted Falls Elementary schools-Special Education Teacher

1992-1999-Brooklyn Middle School-Special Education Teacher

1999-2000-Brooklyn Middle School-School Counselor

2000-2012-Normandy High School-High School Counselor

2012-2013-Normandy High School-8th Grade Counselor

2013-Present-Hillside Middle School-6th/7th Grade Counselor


Personal Information:

I am an author, yoga instructor, yoga studio owner and motivational speaker.

I am a recent widower and a therapy dog handler.

My motto:

We ALL face adversity. We must let go of the idea we are victims, and instead develop the skills to overcome our adversity. It is not WHAT happens to us in life, it is HOW we choose to