After 10 years of teaching I was offered an amazing opportunity to become part of the StarShine team as an administrator. The position of Assistant principal isn’t just a chance to become an administrator but to develop my leadership capabilities overall.  I was attracted to StarShine because they really stood behind what they believed and the concept of doing the best that we can on each day, depending on what we know and understand, according to Maslow’s Hierarchy.  StarShine offers an education beyond the classroom a holistic education including gardening, music, physical education, and art. The pursuit of success and happiness, both individually and collectively, must include body, mind, spirit, health and wealth.

 

Each student is recognized as an individual and we get the opportunity to create their plan for success. StarShine also allows students to facilitate the concept that the best way to learn something is by getting the opportunity to teach it. Each student has access to technology every day, however they are also allowed the chance to connect with people. Small class sizes allow the development of interpersonal relationships between fellow students and teachers which is important in the success for all.  Sustainability is also very important to Starshine Academy, there is a reason and purpose for everything we do. At Starshine I get to lead a team of educators and students to believe in the concepts of Connect versus Convince; Exercise Compassion versus Judgment, Love versus Fear.

 

StarShine has put forth a tremendous amount of effort to assemble an excellent team of volunteers, teachers, administrators and leaders. There is a unique balance of personalities that was created by design to be effective in achieving the goal of World Peace through education.  I am glad that I get to be a part of it.

 

I achieved my Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from the University of Northern Colorado with a double minor in Psychology and Sociology, and an emphasis in Middle Grades Education. I’ve been a certified teacher in South Dakota, Colorado and currently in I am currently working on my Masters at Arizona State University.  I am on the Alumni Advisory Council for Sigma Phi Epsilon National Fraternity, and have been involved with USA hockey as a Player, Official and Coach for many years. I also run an aid station at the Ironman Arizona Triathlon in which we raise awareness for ALS.

 

 

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