I’m a software engineer at Code.org, the world’s largest provider of K-12 Computer Science curriculum. As a former elementary educator, I love working in service of teachers and students to help create equitable educational opportunities at scale. My favorite parts of my role are ideation, collaboration, prototyping, play testing and watching kids get inspired to create with our tools. I learned full-stack web development through a year-long intensive at Ada Developers Academy and hold a certificate in Technical Leadership from Cornell. As a career-changer, I have a passion for mentoring new-to-industry engineers and building an inclusive culture.

I have a M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Washington with a focus on Science Education and Learning Sciences with a certificate in Museology. Fascinated by how people learn, particularly in free-choice settings, I’ve crafted classroom, outdoor and science center activities for all ages. When I was a first-third grade teacher, I continually invented and adapted activities to meet the needs and interests of my students. Trained in Wired for Reading, as a private Learning Specialist, I wrote individualized lesson plans to support students in developing literacy and executive functioning skills. STEM + literacy is my sweet spot!

I’m a long-time member of the Society for Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and graduate of a year-long certificate in Writing for Children through the University of Washington. I’m perpetually muddling through the murky middle of revising a middle grade novel, but mostly I write picture books. Some lean heavily educational, others purely silly with a handful of concept books thrown in. Many thanks to Lyrical Language Lab for helping me pay penance for my many rhyme crimes. Shout out, as well, to my critique partners over the years, especially at the Writers’ Loft. Reach out to chat all things kid lit.