About Me/ Achievements

Animal Lover, Learning & Design Expert

As a youngster, I disassembled my family's blender, and although I got into trouble for it, the experience captivated me.* From that moment on, I became fixated with understanding how electronics, computers, and various systems operate, including people's minds. This fascination has remained with me ever since. I love watching the moment when someone moves from learning to understanding. I also love when it happens to me!

Reading, studying, and learning all come naturally to me and I love to share what I know with others in a non-judgmental, supportive, and fun way. The classes I teach for adults include all of these elements and I have developed deep relationships because of the care I put into each individual, no matter my class size. I have used those skills in every job I've ever had from selling cameras, film, TVs, and VCRs in high school to today.

After earning a degree in English and Creative Writing, I landed a job in the Sales Department at L'Oréal Hair Care. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this position would ultimately pave the way for my new career path. As part of my role at L'Oréal, I composed sales materials, packaging information, and training materials for the sales team. I did this for 8 years. Enjoyed it a lot, but felt the calling to a higher purpose.

No, I it wasn't to the clergy! It was to become a teacher. So, I went back to school. (MSEd) And back. (MSEd2) And back. (MSEd SBL/SDL) And back! (EdD - Dissertation.)

For 24 years, I instructed students in grades K-12 in Computer Technology and Coding. Concurrently, I taught fellow faculty members in my school district and numerous other districts on Long Island about integrating computer tools into the classroom. It was an exhilarating experience crafting courses and pathways that guided my colleagues to success. Similar to their pupils, my fellow educators relished the gamification of learning, earning badges that they proudly showcased on their web pages and email signatures.

The pandemic of 2020 prompted me to develop teaching superpowers, as I found myself teaching children aged 9-12 both live and asynchronously through online platforms while also assisting their parents and my colleagues with remote technology use. I even wrote protocols on the spot and shared them via email with screen recordings and my cell phone number for support. I was akin to being a one-woman band, except with technology tools instead of guitar, harmonica, and tambourine!

As time passed, newer technology emerged, and we began utilizing an LMS to teach and track coding skills. Eventually, the district saw the potential for using it to offer Professional Development opportunities for adults in our district. I was tasked with creating many courses and pathways, enabling faculty members to learn asynchronously if they were unable to attend my workshops. I was able to both administrate the LMS and contribute content to it, which made me feel happy to help my friends and colleagues in a new way.

Recently, I made a decision to embark on a new path and re-enter the corporate world, utilizing my expertise in eLearning and Learning & Design beyond the realm of education. I aim to seek stimulating opportunities in an exciting arena, leveraging my exceptional talents to enhance a corporation's internal or external learning programs and Learning Management System (LMS) with innovative ideas and unwavering enthusiasm.

While I conclude one career and look for a new career path, I continue to nurture my personal endeavors. I have a deep passion for animals, and my husband and I consider our dog to be part of our family, just as we did with all of her predecessors. As a committed animal lover, I've actively supported numerous animal charities such as Little Shelter, Rocky Ridge Refuge, Ruff House Rescue, Posh Pets, and The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where my beloved adopted giraffe, Kiko, resided in Nairobi after his rescue. I've donated both my time and resources to these organizations to help improve the lives of animals in need. I also write fiction and have a romantic suspense novel working its way through the maze of publishing.

My husband and I are avid explorers who love to travel. The thrill of adventure and the opportunity to learn and discover new places are the most rewarding aspects of our journeys. We relish the chance to uncover the hidden gems of local culture, whether it be in the form of meeting fascinating people, trying new and delicious cuisine, or experiencing the unique customs of the places we visit.

On that note, I can't wait for us to meet one day soon!

*The blender did get put back together and worked for another ten years!