How long have you been at Bullis?
I've been at Bullis since 2015.
What role or roles do you play at Bullis? If you are teaching faculty, what do you teach?
I teach 6th-8th Grade Theatre, I am an 8th Grade Advisor, and I direct the Middle School Musical. I also help out with MS Student Government and prior to teaching I was the Middle School Administrative Assistant for two years.
What made you decide to work in an educational setting?
I have always loved working with children. Most of my early jobs were as babysitters, camp counselors, a full-time nanny, a children's fitness instructor but being able to teach my passion is the absolute best job I could ever ask for. I have a connection with children of all ages and being able to pass down my love for theatre to them is a gift.
What is your favorite thing about working at Bullis?
The community. You truly become a part of this family, for better or for worse. I've witnessed first hand how this community rallies behind one of their own when they are in need and I don't think I would have experienced that anywhere else.
When not at Bullis, what interests do you pursue?
I love to get out and see/participate in as much live theatre as I can. I am also huge into board games and Dungeons & Dragons which I have been able to teach and share with students at Bullis!
Who is someone that inspires you and how?
Michelle Obama. I admit that I did not follow her enough while she was in office - still being in college and then as a recent graduate, I did not find myself delving into politics very much. But her work while in office was hugely inspiring to me because she cares so much for the youth in our country. More recently, I listened to her read her book, Becoming. I found such grace, tenacity, understanding, and balance in her life that truly made me wish I knew her in real life. She was set upon a journey that she did not necessarily want yet she took it in stride, made the absolute best of it ,and came out the other side stronger because of it.
What is the best book or production that you have read, watched, or listened to lately?
I was lucky to secure a ticket to an online performance from London of my favorite play, Lungs by Duncan Macmillan starring Claire Foy (from The Crown) and Matt Smith (also from The Crown, but Dr. Who as well). I saw the play almost 10 years ago at Studio Theater in DC. I had never experienced a reaction so visceral to a play before so when I saw that The Vic in London was going to stream this performance due to covid - I thought how lucky I was to see this amazing play performed again by two incredibly talented actors while in another country! Truly one of the silver linings of all the shutdowns.
What global challenge would you like to see tackled and how do you see yourself contributing to the positive change that you desire?
Intolerance. Of all kinds. Closer to home in our own country, the recognition that people should be treated the same and held to the same standards as anyone else despite their skin color, religion, or who they love. I hope to contribute to making these positive changes by giving my students the chance to lift the voices of the oppressed and telling their own stories of injustice.
What is one fun fact about you that others may not know or may surprise them?
I've been set on fire (on purpose)! If you are interested check out The Black Friday Games on YouTube as well as the behind the scenes documentary we made!
Why would you tell a prospective family to choose Bullis?
I would tell a prospective family to choose Bullis because not only do we have a place for every kind of student but we work hard to meet our students where they are, equipping them with whatever is necessary for them to be successful. We give them choices and places to expand their interests to maybe discover a new passion! And lastly, because we've got incredible pride - we bleed Blue & Gold and support other bulldogs without a second thought!
- Faculty
