"With over 20 years of experience teaching science in rural public schools, I’ve had the privilege of working with students across a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Since beginning my career in 2002 at Barone Middle School in Meeker, Colorado, where I taught 6th–8th grade sciences, I’ve expanded my teaching to include Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, and middle school classes at Monticello High School. I currently teach Earth Science, Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, and Wildlife at San Juan High School in Blanding, Utah. My passion lies in helping students discover the excitement and real-world relevance of science.

Living and teaching in rural communities has deepened my connection to the outdoors and to the people who live here. I believe science education is most powerful when it’s hands-on, locally relevant, and engaging. I’ve created opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom through projects like our Natural Resource Competition, developed in partnership with the BLM, Forest Service, and Park Service. In this program, students tackle real environmental challenges in the Bears Ears Management Area, competing for scholarships generously funded by Canyonlands Natural History Association, which has contributed over $10,000 in the last three years.

Alongside classroom teaching, I hold a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences and two bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Composite Teaching with a minor in Chemistry from Utah State University. I’ve actively participated in programs like 3DRST at BYU to support rural science educators and created online resources such as seedutah.org to share curriculum tools. I truly love teaching and look forward to inspiring and supporting students as a science tutor, helping them build curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong interest in the natural world." less...