ABOUT ME

I am a writer and an educator originally from northern New Jersey (the Oranges) and now living in midcoast Maine.

As a writer, I focus on poetry. My writing often springs from a strong attachment to place and the past. I am an avid gardener (and certfied Master Gardener Volunteer). I draw inspiration from the beauty and powers of nature.

I am presently focused on making final touches to a full-length poetry manuscript. I am also focused on pursuing publishing–something I have not done with full force until now.

I also currently teach English and English Education classes at Montclair State University, in New Jersey. I enjoy working with graduate students who are learning to teach secondary English. I also love working with undergraduate students who are engaged in reading literature and strengthening their abilities to express themselves via writing.

I was a full-time high school teacher of English and creative writing for 34 years. Across the years, I worked with thousands of wonderful students and hundreds of outstanding colleagues. One of the highlights of my teaching career was being recognized by Princeton University with a Distinguished Secondary Teaching Award and standing on the same stage as Aretha Franklin. Another fun achievement is having been a contestant on “Cash Cab” with some of my high school teaching colleagues.

I remain passionate about the teaching of English Language Arts. Since 2007 and through professional presentations and journal articles, I have been sharing work related to shifts in teaching reading and writing. These shifts have included but have not been limited to the development of an inquiry and action curricular framework which urges and scaffolds reading shifts. My students’ work, generated through the inquiry-driven framework as well as through other approaches, is the essential source of my learning about reading shifts. I have enjoyed publishing some articles that highlighted their projects and outcomes.

In 2020, on the precipice of the pandemic and at the tail end of a semester-long sabbatical, I presented some of my work at the Modern Language Association (MLA) convention as part of a panel on writing. I regularly present at the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) annual conventions. On this site, you will find some links to resources associated with my NCTE presentations.

My husband and I are the parents of two adult sons.