About Us

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I have a deep commitment to the education and well-being of gifted children. As a mother of two highly/profoundly gifted young adults, I have dedicated over twenty years to advocating for the needs of gifted learners. My teaching career began more than thirty years ago at an international school in San Jose, Costa Rica. My experience has allowed me to engage with a wide range of students in both general and special education settings; however, my true passion lies with gifted learners. My primary goal is to empower gifted and twice exceptional students to flourish in their educational environments. 

I earned my Doctorate in Education in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Gifted and Talented Education from the University of Denver. Additionally, I hold a Master’s degree in Special Education, concentrating on twice-exceptional learners, from the University of Nevada, Reno. In 2020, I co-founded Sierra Gifted Educational Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting diverse gifted children and their families.

I have a passion for the outdoors and enjoy spending time in nature. When I’m not working, you can find me traveling around in my travel trailer, exploring various National Parks, with the goal of visiting them all.

Learning is a lifelong adventure, and I'm dedicated to helping students find their paths to success. My unique background includes experiences as a dolphin trainer, zookeeper, and lawyer. For the past 12 years, I've been a teacher, inspiring students from upper elementary through high school, with a strong focus on online high school education for the last five years. I've also had the rewarding experience of coaching robotics teams to local, state, and international competitions. My passion for learning extends beyond the classroom; I live sustainably off-grid in the high desert mountains of NE Arizona, surrounded by my beloved animals. My homestead, affectionately called Blue Pumpkin Ranch, is ever-expanding and will serve as a creative space for students to collaborate and tackle real-world environmental issues. I'm excited to bring my diverse experiences, passion for the environment, and enthusiasm for teaching to our online learning community.