Meet the Teacher

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” - Maya Angelou

I am a certified k-8 elementary teacher and Spanish minor with a bachelor's degree from North Central College and a master's in reading from Roosevelt University. I am also a certified K-12th grade reading specialist and an Academic Language Therapist, specifically trained to work with students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. To learn more about a Certified Academic Language Therapist, click here.

At the age of seventeen, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children, as both my parents worked in Chicago Public Schools. My father was a fantastic math teacher in the Humbolt Park area, and my mother was a teacher in Englewood. Both parents led with a great example, inspiring me with a legacy to teach with the heart first before introducing the curriculum.

Reading didn't always come easy to me as a child. I was enrolled in speech classes and struggled to read in kindergarten through second grade. My father used to teach me at home and on the weekends to assist in my progress. 

In high school, my mother encouraged me to apply for the Golden Apple Scholars program to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. After graduating from high school, I was accepted into the program. I received the opportunity to attend DePaul University for summer retreats, where I studied closely with Golden Apple Award-winning teachers, the best in Illinois. During this first teaching experience, I became passionate about working with students in underprivileged areas. The Golden Apple experience taught me firsthand that ALL children can learn. With great expectations of a caring and passionate teacher, anything is possible.

After college, I worked in Chicago at Columbia Explorers Academy. I taught as a self-contained fourth and sixth-grade teacher. After three years in the Brighton Park area, I was seeking an opportunity to challenge myself even more…a special place where I could grow professionally. Just by chance, I heard of a new turnaround school opening up in the neighborhood my mother taught.

Sherman School of Excellence, located in Englewood, is a community stricken with poverty and violence. The existing school would become the nation's first turnaround school, having been identified as one of the lowest-performing schools in Chicago. With a willing heart and a determination to make a difference, I applied to the school and was accepted onto this fearless team! The Sherman School of Excellence would become my most rewarding three years of teaching and my absolute favorite!

In 2008, in my sixth year of teaching, I was nominated for the Golden Apple Award. This very award inspired me when I was seventeen. I was honored to make it to the finals to receive the Golden Apple Honors award, being recognized as one of Illinois's top thirty teachers for my work at the Sherman School of Excellence. I will be forever grateful for this memorable experience.

In 2009, I was married and moved to St. Charles, where I worked as a literacy coach and reading interventionist in East Aurora. After my beautiful twin daughters were born, I spent my time as a stay-at-home mom. When my girls attended elementary school, I assisted my husband in opening and operating two restaurants in our community.

I am so thankful to return to my passion for teaching and education. Rainbow Reading serves the Kane and DuPage communities through dyslexia therapy and literacy support services.

Struggling in reading can be like a gray storm cloud, but my hope and mission with Rainbow Reading is to help each child and parent dodge the raindrops and break through the clouds to the brighter side of reading.

In my spare time, I thoroughly enjoy formally reviewing children’s books for Children’s Literature and educational games and products for the home and classroom setting. My recommendations and reviews are on my social media and parent and teacher resource page. Most days, one can find me with a pile of books at the Geneva Public Library, spending time with my family at home in St. Charles, and enjoying the company of my giant fluffy poodles. These are just a few of my favorite things!

"Never underestimate the power of a girl and her book." 

-Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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