Meet the Teacher

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

I am a certified K-8 elementary teacher with a minor in Spanish, holding a bachelor's degree from North Central College and a master's degree in reading from Roosevelt University. Additionally, I am a certified K-12 reading specialist and a dyslexia therapist, currently pursuing certification as an academic language therapist. An academic language therapist is specifically trained to assist students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Currently, I offer dyslexia therapy services from my primary office in Wheaton. I provide dyslexia therapy at Plum Tree Psychology in the early morning hours as well on select days of the week. Please visit their website for more information.

 At the age of seventeen, I realized I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children, inspired by my parents, who worked in Chicago Public Schools. My father was an outstanding math teacher in the Humboldt Park area, while my mother taught in Englewood. Both set a powerful example for me, instilling in me the belief that teaching should start from the heart before focusing on the curriculum. 

 In high school, my mother encouraged me to apply for the Golden Apple Scholars program to fulfill my dream of becoming a teacher. After graduating, I was accepted into the program, which allowed me to attend summer retreats at DePaul University. There, I studied closely with Golden Apple Award-winning teachers, some of the best in Illinois. This first teaching experience ignited my passion for working with students in underprivileged areas. The Golden Apple experience taught me that ALL children can learn with the right expectations. 

After college, I worked at Columbia Explorers Academy in Chicago, where I taught as a self-contained fourth and sixth-grade teacher. After three years in the Brighton Park area, I sought an opportunity to challenge myself further in a special place where I could grow professionally. 

By chance, I learned about a new turnaround school opening in the neighborhood where my mother taught. Sherman School of Excellence, located in Englewood, is in a community affected by poverty and violence. The existing school was identified as one of the lowest-performing schools in Chicago and would become the nation's first turnaround school. With a willing heart and determination to make a difference, I applied and was accepted into this fearless team. 

My time at Sherman School of Excellence became my absolute favorite and most rewarding three years of my teaching career! In 2008, during my sixth year of teaching, I was nominated for the Golden Apple Award. This award inspired me when I was seventeen, so I was honored to make it to the finals and be recognized as one of Illinois's top thirty teachers for my work at Sherman School of Excellence. I will be forever grateful for that memorable experience.

In 2009, I 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 became a stay-at-home mom. I am grateful to now return to my passion for teaching and education. Rainbow Reading provides dyslexia therapy and literacy support services to the Kane and DuPage communities.

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.

Most days, you can find me surrounded by a pile of books at the Geneva Public Library. I spend quality time with my family at home in St. Charles and enjoy 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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