How long have you been with HDESD? Almost 2 years! I started August 2023
What inspired your career and the impactful work that you do? From a young age, I felt a natural connection to students who needed extra support. In high school, I often found myself drawn to helping peers who struggled, and that experience sparked my interest in pursuing a path in education. When I discovered that special education allowed for more individualized and small group instruction, I was immediately intrigued. It offered a meaningful way to build strong relationships with students and support their growth in a more personalized setting.
Can you share a little about the education work you’ve done overseas? In January of 2020, my husband and I were invited to work overseas to support a special education school in Saudi Arabia. Our role focused on strengthening instructional practices and building the capacity of the teaching staff. We worked closely with teachers on everything from implementing effective lesson plans and conducting assessments to coaching them on classroom management and team collaboration. It was a powerful experience that deepened my understanding of how to adapt special education strategies across cultural contexts. Supporting educators in a new environment challenged me to be creative, flexible, and deeply collaborative—all skills that continue to shape my work today.
What are you most excited about when it comes to working with students, families and colleagues at The Nest and Sagebrush? I’m most excited about creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel accepted, understood, and met exactly where they are. Helping students grow socially, emotionally, and academically in a setting that honors their individual needs is deeply meaningful to me. I’m equally passionate about supporting my colleagues. Working in behavioral programs can be both rewarding and challenging, and I want to ensure my team feels validated, heard, and supported. Building strong relationships with families, students, and staff is at the heart of what makes this work successful—and I’m thrilled to be part of a program like The Nest and Sagebrush that values that kind of connection.
What is one of your greatest challenges? One of my greatest challenges is managing how deeply I care about the people I work with—students, families, and colleagues. I see it as a strength, but it can also be overwhelming at times. I naturally want to meet everyone’s needs and ensure they feel supported, which can make it difficult to set boundaries or not internalize the emotions that come with working in a challenging setting. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of self-awareness and self-care, and I continue to work on finding that balance between compassion and sustainability so I can show up as my best self for others.
Is there anything else you’d like to share? Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience and voice. I’m truly grateful to be part of this work and am excited about the chance to grow as an administrator at The Nest and Sagebrush. I look forward to continuing to support students, families, and staff in meaningful and impactful ways.
