My Approach
My approach is informed by…
A reverence for research and a life-long passion for understanding the world through multiple perspectives.
Since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by HUMAN development
I am driven by a curiosity about how experiences influence behavior — and how our identities impact our relationship with the world and those within it.
Through observation, research, and immersion into the world of child development and adult learning, I have managed to find tools and strategies that actually work to shift behavior and build a sense of safety and belonging.
Here is what I know…
Being effective means rethinking the status quo.
Most people don’t wake up each day with ill intentions. The truth is, many of us are struggling to manage our time and stay above water amidst an overwhelming list of tasks and responsibilities. Even when we value equity and inclusion, there isn’t always clarity about how to foster it. What’s more, many systems have been designed to serve a very narrow sliver of the population. Good intentions aside, it can be hard to know how and where to create change.
I believe that most of us really are doing the best we can. At the same time, there is always room to do better. By meeting clients with compassion and actionable strategies, I help them question the status quo while also coaching them to be more effective with the time and resources they have at their disposal.
Learning is a vehicle for a better life.
Education can open doors to opportunity— in the world and in our own minds. Learning to learn unfolds endless growth: following curiosity in meaningful ways, thinking critically, and communicating our ideas. When kids are taught how to succeed in school, they tend to do well in life. When adults commit to their own growth, they see meaningful change across the full scope of their life.
Research like mine backs this up.
The more we understand emotional intelligence, social-emotional development, trauma, and culturally-responsive practices, the more we can focus on what really matters. The teaching methods I apply emphasize understanding the multiple aspects of identity, fostering psychological safety, and promoting well-being. I’m committed to improving experiences in schools, homes, and organizations in order to enhance the outcomes for those that inhabit them— no matter what they bring to the table.
People need to feel safe and understood in order to learn, grow and collaborate.
Blind spots and biases are a part of being human. My work asks educators, program administrators, leaders, teams, and parents to be curious about their preconceived notions of how people learn, communicate, and flourish.
I help nonprofits, corporations, schools, government agencies, educators, and families build accessible experiences for the people they serve — especially those who are most vulnerable to falling silent and slipping through the cracks. Doing this work requires an open mind, careful listening, and a commitment to looking beneath the surface in order to fully see someone else’s experience.